Motion capture systems are crucial tools in sports biomechanics. They come in three main types: optical, non-optical, and markerless. Each system has unique characteristics, offering different levels of accuracy, portability, and ease of use for various sports applications.
Choosing the right motion capture system depends on factors like the specific sport, required accuracy, and research goals. Optical systems excel in controlled environments, while inertial and offer more flexibility for field use. Understanding each system's strengths and limitations is key to effective biomechanical analysis.
Motion capture systems in sports
Types and characteristics
Top images from around the web for Types and characteristics
Dual Kinect v2 system can capture lower limb kinematics reasonably well in a clinical setting ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | Evaluation of 3D Markerless Motion Capture Accuracy Using OpenPose With Multiple ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Dual Kinect v2 system can capture lower limb kinematics reasonably well in a clinical setting ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | Evaluation of 3D Markerless Motion Capture Accuracy Using OpenPose With Multiple ... View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 2
Top images from around the web for Types and characteristics
Dual Kinect v2 system can capture lower limb kinematics reasonably well in a clinical setting ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | Evaluation of 3D Markerless Motion Capture Accuracy Using OpenPose With Multiple ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Dual Kinect v2 system can capture lower limb kinematics reasonably well in a clinical setting ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | Evaluation of 3D Markerless Motion Capture Accuracy Using OpenPose With Multiple ... View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 2
Motion capture systems categorized into three main types optical, non-optical, and markerless systems
Optical systems track reflective markers on athlete's body using multiple
Provide high accuracy for detailed movement analysis in controlled environments
Non-optical systems include inertial measurement units (IMUs) and electromagnetic systems
Offer portability and capture motion in various environments without camera limitations
Markerless systems utilize computer vision and AI algorithms to track human movement
Enable more natural and unrestricted motion analysis without physical markers
Active marker systems emit their own light signals
Passive marker systems use reflective markers illuminated by external light sources
Applications and selection factors
Applications in sports biomechanics include , injury prevention, rehabilitation monitoring, and equipment design optimization
System choice depends on specific sport, required accuracy, environment, and research or training objectives
Factors to consider include capture volume, movement complexity, and desired outcome measures
Environmental adaptability crucial for systems intended for field use or varying locations
Optical, Inertial, and Markerless motion capture
Optical systems
Rely on triangulation principle to determine 3D marker positions
Use multiple cameras to capture 2D projections of markers
High accuracy and precision ideal for laboratory-based analysis (gymnastics, figure skating)
Limited by occlusion issues and need for controlled environment with proper lighting
Restricted capture volume and complex setup
Inertial systems
Utilize accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers
Measure linear acceleration, angular , and orientation of body segments
Portable and capable of capturing motion in natural environments (soccer, skiing)
May have lower absolute position accuracy compared to optical systems
Can suffer from drift errors over time
Require periodic recalibration or sensor data fusion to maintain accuracy
Markerless systems
Employ computer vision techniques like pose estimation algorithms and deep learning models
Identify and track human body landmarks without physical markers
Allow quick setup and natural movement without marker placement
Beneficial for team sports analysis or rapid assessment of multiple athletes
Face challenges in accurately tracking complex or rapid movements
May have lower precision compared to , especially for fine motor movements
Motion capture system advantages and disadvantages
Optical systems
Advantages
High accuracy and precision
Ideal for complex movement analysis (gymnastics, figure skating)
Disadvantages
Restricted capture volume
Complex setup
Occlusion issues
Require controlled environment and proper lighting
Inertial systems
Advantages
Portable
Capture motion in natural environments
Suitable for field-based sports (soccer, skiing)
Disadvantages
Lower absolute position accuracy compared to optical systems
Drift errors over time
Require periodic recalibration
Markerless systems
Advantages
Quick setup
Allow natural movement without marker placement
Beneficial for team sports analysis and rapid athlete assessment
Disadvantages
Lower precision for detailed biomechanical research
Challenges in tracking complex or rapid movements
Active and passive marker systems
Active marker advantages
Operate in varying light conditions
Automatically identify markers
Useful for outdoor sports and large capture volumes
Active marker disadvantages
Require power sources for each marker
Passive marker advantages
More cost-effective
Allow smaller markers
Beneficial for analyzing fine motor skills (golf, archery)
Passive marker disadvantages
May suffer from marker swapping or confusion in complex movements
Electromagnetic systems
Advantages
Capture motion without line-of-sight requirements
Advantageous for sports with equipment obstruction (motorsports)
Disadvantages
Susceptible to magnetic interference
Limited range
Suitability of motion capture systems
Accuracy considerations
Spatial resolution affects precision of position measurements
Temporal resolution determines ability to capture rapid movements
System's capability to capture specific movement characteristics relevant to sport or research question
All technologies subject to soft tissue artifact introducing errors in joint angle calculations
Cost factors
Initial equipment investment varies significantly between system types
Ongoing maintenance costs differ based on system complexity
Software licenses may require regular renewals
Potential facility modifications for system installation and operation
Ease of use and expertise requirements
Setup time ranges from quick (markerless) to complex (optical)
Calibration procedures vary in complexity and frequency
Data processing requirements differ between systems
Level of expertise needed to operate system and interpret results varies
Data integration and scalability
Data output format affects compatibility with other biomechanical analysis tools
Integration capabilities influence utility in comprehensive research or training programs
Scalability includes ability to expand capture volume or add /cameras
Long-term viability depends on adaptability to evolving research needs
Support and maintenance
User support includes training resources and technical assistance
Software updates ensure system remains current with technological advancements
Availability of replacement parts and repair services affects long-term reliability
User community and forums provide additional resources and troubleshooting support