Understanding the intricacies of athletes’ biomechanics is paramount for sports injury prevention and performance enhancement practitioners. Kinematic Motion Analysis: Part One discusses using 2D motion analysis in the athletic realm. In Part Two, Candice MacMillan provides an overview of the differences and uses of 3D motion analysis.
Angel City FC forward Sydney Leroux and North Carolina Courage midfielder Denise O’Sullivan battle for the ball in the second half at BMO Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
Over the years, optical motion capture systems (OMCS) have been the cornerstone of biomechanical analysis. However, recent advancements, particularly with the introduction of Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) and markerless motion capture, provide practitioners with alternative tools that offer increased portability and cost-effectiveness. Inertial Measurement Units are valid alternatives to optical motion capture systems for kinematic analysis in different sports(1,2). Furthermore, IMUs are practical tools, particularly in sports settings where portability and ease of use are paramount. Markerless motion capture, a revolutionary technology in biomechanics, eliminates the need for physical markers attached to the subject’s body, offering a non-invasive and flexible approach to capturing human movement. This article delves into utilizing IMUs, OMCS, and markerless motion capture for sports injury prevention and performance enhancement.
In biomechanical analysis within athletic contexts, distinguishing between OMCS and IMU technologies is essential. For example, OMCS relies on high-speed cameras to track reflective markers on an athlete’s body, enabling precise motion capture with exceptional spatial accuracy (see figure 1)(2,3). Conversely, IMUs utilize gyroscopes and accelerometers, with or without magnetometers, embedded in wearable devices to record motion data, offering the advantage of portability and flexibility in various environments (see figure 2)(1,4).
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