Motion analysis involves filming and documenting movements using a video camera and computer software. It is used in sports, healthcare, and manufacturing industries to improve performance, diagnose injuries, and ensure safety standards. Multiple cameras may be used to create a 3D simulation of movements.
Motion analysis is a process of filming and documenting sequences of images to study the movements presented in them. It typically uses a video camera to record a movement and computer software to store the recorded data for further analysis. Sometimes, a person or model is required to wear some type of body suit or have wires attached to different parts of the body to capture each movement more accurately.
Cameras created specifically for motion analysis work by “remembering” the still image in front of them. They can also be programmed to distinguish the main object from the background. That way, when the object moves, both the camera and the computer software would know how to get rid of the unnecessary background image and isolate the moving object on its own. In many cases, multiple cameras are used and positioned at different angles to get a more accurate feed or to get a three-dimensional (3D) record of motion. The recorded movements are then merged by the software to create a 3D simulation of the movements.
Many industries and fields of study use motion analysis for insight and research. One is the sports industry, especially for the study of human anatomy. Many sports and martial arts such as baseball, soccer, and judo have athletes who use their bodies in ways that a normal person might not. Through a motion capture analysis, every movement, such as throwing a baseball or doing a high kick, will be recorded and studied so that the athletes improve their “game”. The analysis also provides doctors with data on how injuries start and how they can be best treated.
Hospitals and physical therapy centers are also using motion analysis to improve treatment modalities and diagnoses. Patients would undergo a series of tests that record all the movements of the muscles and joints. By studying the recorded video, physiotherapists would know the root cause of the injury and surgeons would be able to decide on the best type of operation. Through human motion analysis, doctors can provide a more accurate diagnosis, provide better post-operative treatments, and cause fewer fatalities and medical errors.
Manufacturing industries also use motion analysis to ensure that all products meet quality and safety standards. Vehicles such as cars and motorcycles undergo videotaped crash tests which usually involve a crash test dummy inside the car. Engineers and designers would then examine the tape to see how the dummy will be affected by the car crash, thus estimating whether the car is safe enough for humans to use. Motion analysis is also used in many types of sports equipment such as baseball bats and tennis rackets to examine their strength, especially in high impact movements such as hitting a ball.
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