Enhancing Human Movement Analysis: Integrating Plantar Pressure Mapping with Motion Capture Technology

Plantar pressure mapping technology, like XSENSOR's Intelligent Insoles, is a method of biomechanics assessment that has the potential to provide users with data that can shed light on multiple aspects of human movement and performance, such as stability, posture, foot function, force application, and overall biomechanics.

In some applications, plantar pressure mapping can be integrated with complementary technologies to potentiate the measurement outcome.

Video analysis, 3D motion capture, force platforms, and electromyography are some of the technologies that, when paired with plantar pressure mapping, can provide enriched datasets for a better understanding of human movement and performance.

Motion capture specifically, often abbreviated as mocap, is a method extensively used in sports biomechanics research to record the complexity of human movement that otherwise would be difficult to capture with the naked eye, thus allowing to obtain kinematic data of virtually any type of sporting movement.

Motion capture technology is fundamental in optimizing an athlete's performance and monitoring injury risk by providing accurate feedback on motion data.

Elements of Motion Capture Technology

Motion capture technology used in sports biomechanics can be categorized into three main types:

• Optical systems
• Non-optical systems
• Markerless systems

Optical systems rely on tracking reflective markers placed on the athlete's body through multiple cameras. They offer high accuracy and precise data, making them ideal for laboratory-based analysis. However, this method requires a very complex setup and controlled environment with the proper ambient lighting.

Non-optical systems such as inertial measurement units (IMU) rely on measurements of linear acceleration, angular velocity, and the orientation of body segments. Advantages of non-optical systems include high portability and the ability to capture data in any on-field setting, such as a soccer pitch or a running track. This method suffers from lower accuracy when compared to an optical system and requires periodic re-calibration of the sensors to maintain accuracy.

Lastly, markerless systems rely on computer vision and AI algorithms to track human movement without markers on the body using depth cameras. Advantages of such systems include quick setup and the absence of marker placement, as well as a very rapid process to test multiple athletes. However, these systems do not seem to accurately track rapid movements and may have lower precision than their marker-based counterparts.

Combining Plantar Pressure Mapping with 3D Motion Capture

Combining kinematics data from motion capture with kinetics data related to plantar loading, pressure distribution, force transmission, and center of pressure movements obtained with XSENSOR's Intelligent Insoles will enhance the outcome of evaluations and increase the quality and effectiveness of rehabilitation, physical therapy, and training individualization.

The main benefits of such integrations can be summarized as follows:

• Accessing an integrated model of movement analysis, considering qualitative and quantitative factors; and
• Matching what happens during the foot-ground interaction with a visual observation of how the joint systems move and respond to the application and transmission of forces.

Using plantar pressure mapping insoles with motion capture systems can aid strength & conditioning coaches, physical therapists, sports medicine practitioners, and biomechanics researchers to understand human movement's complexity better, leading to a more efficient and evidence-based practice.

Check out our webinar to learn how to integrate plantar pressure data with 3D motion capture for human movement analysis and rehabilitation monitoring.

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