Thriving Through Movement: The Science of Motion and Its Role in a Healthy Society

In a world that’s constantly in motion, the science of movement has never been more important. From everyday activities like walking and lifting to high-performance athletic feats and groundbreaking medical therapies, understanding the mechanics of human motion is essential for creating a healthier, more thriving society. Motion Analysis Corporation (MAC) has positioned itself at the forefront of this movement revolution, enabling researchers, clinicians, and innovators to deepen their knowledge of how we move—and why it matters.

Movement as a Measure of Health

Movement is fundamental to life. It affects our physical health, mental well-being, and societal productivity. Whether it’s helping an elderly person regain mobility, enabling a dancer to refine their performance, or developing rehabilitative strategies for individuals recovering from injuries, motion analysis is integral to improving quality of life.

Today, as we face an aging global population and a rise in musculoskeletal disorders, the demand for a deeper understanding of movement is more pressing than ever. Studies have shown that improved mobility directly correlates with reduced healthcare costs, enhanced productivity, and increased individual independence. However, to achieve these outcomes, we need advanced tools and technologies that can measure, analyze, and interpret movement data accurately.

Motion Analysis Corporation: A Catalyst for Innovation in Motion Science

Motion Analysis Corporation has been a pioneering force in the field of motion capture technology for decades. By providing state-of-the-art tools to researchers, healthcare providers, and industry leaders, we’ve helped transform how we study and optimize human movement.

Movement Science for the Future

The potential applications of motion science are vast and growing. Innovations in artificial intelligence, robotics, and wearable technology are converging with motion analysis to redefine how we live, work, and heal. 

Motion analysis plays a critical role in preventive healthcare. By identifying early signs of movement disorders, healthcare providers can intervene sooner, reducing the risk of chronic conditions and enhancing long-term health outcomes.

For instance, at Stanford University Motion Analysis Corporation has worked with the Human Performance Lab (within the Neuromuscular Biomechanics Lab), as well as the Motion Analysis and Performance Lab at Ohio State University School of Medicine on ACL research. While at the University of Michigan our technology has been used as part of a project with the Rehabilitation Biomechanics Lab focusing on upper extremity tracking and upper and lower limb prosthetics. 

A Healthier Society Through Movement

At its core, thriving through movement is about more than just individual health—it’s about building a society that values and supports physical well-being. Whether through groundbreaking research, innovative therapies, or enabling athletes to achieve their full potential, MAC is dedicated to advancing this vision.

As we continue to explore the science of movement, the work being done by Motion Analysis Corporation will remain vital. By fostering a deeper understanding of motion, we’re not only contributing to the future of healthcare and performance but also to a world where everyone can thrive through movement.


Ready to advance your understanding of movement?
Explore how Motion Analysis Corporation’s cutting-edge technology can empower your research, practice, or innovation today. Reach out to us for a demo or consultation. Together, let’s drive the future of movement.

From Live Models to Motion Analysis: The Evolution of Animation and Motion Capture Technology

The world of animation has come a long way since the early days of hand-drawn figures on film reels. As one of the most captivating forms of storytelling, animation has consistently pushed the boundaries of both technology and creativity. At the forefront of this evolution has been a quest for realism—an effort to bring characters to life in ways that resonate with audiences. No one epitomized this drive for realism more than Walt Disney, whose innovations in animation continue to inspire generations of creators.

The Early Days of Animation: Walt Disney’s Vision

Walt Disney was not just a storyteller—he was an innovator. His drive to elevate animation from simple cartoons to a respected art form set the stage for modern animation techniques. One of Disney’s most notable contributions was his meticulous approach to movement. In the 1930s, as he worked on now-classic films like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), Disney pioneered the use of live models to inform the work of his animators. He would bring dancers, actors, and performers into the studio to act out scenes so animators could capture the natural nuances of their movement, facial expressions, and body language.

By studying these live models, Disney’s animators could translate real-world motion into fluid, believable animation. This technique—known as rotoscoping—was a precursor to what would eventually become a much more advanced process of motion capture (or “mocap”). Disney’s dedication to realism extended far beyond physical movements. He understood that the subtle shifts in expression, the arc of a dance move, or the sway of a character’s walk would resonate emotionally with audiences. His attention to detail helped make characters like Snow White and Pinocchio feel alive, setting a new standard for the industry.

The Rise of Motion Capture Technology

While animators like Disney relied on manual techniques to simulate human movement, technological advancements in the late 20th century transformed how creators approached animation. Enter motion capture technology. By the 1990s, mocap had become an indispensable tool for animators, filmmakers, and game developers seeking to enhance the realism of their characters and scenes.

Unlike the labor-intensive rotoscoping method, where animators had to trace live-action footage frame by frame, motion capture allowed creators to record the movements of real people using sensors or markers placed on the body. These markers track the subject’s movements in 3D space, translating them into digital models that can be manipulated in animation software. This leap in technology meant that animators no longer needed to rely solely on observation; they could now integrate precise data from real-life performances directly into their work.

Motion Analysis Corporation Brought to Life Iconic Characters

Motion Analysis Corporation has been a pioneer in the development and refinement of motion capture technology since the 1980s. Our groundbreaking work in biomechanics has had far-reaching implications, not only in animation and gaming but also in industries like sports performance and healthcare. Having developed highly accurate optical motion capture systems that use high-speed cameras and reflective markers to capture human movement with unparalleled precision, our technology has been instrumental in creating some of the most iconic scenes in modern cinema.

In the early 2000s, we were behind some of the motion capture sequences in The Lord of the Rings films, helping bring Gollum to life through actor Andy Serkis’s captivating performance. 

A New York Times article stated: “The process is not completely mathematical,” said Joe Letteri, a four-time Oscar winner and senior visual effects supervisor for Weta. Weta worked closely with Standard Deviation, a motion capture hardware company in Santa Monica,  Calif., to design and build many of the cameras used in “Rise,” said Dejan Momcilovic, head of performance capture at Weta. Cameras from the Motion Analysis Corporation in Santa Rosa, Calif., were also used, he said.

Similarly, we were part of the initial proof-of-concept for Avatar – working with Lightstorm during the protracted R&D phase, applying its existing real-time motion capture capabilities to the task of devising a production pipeline protocol for multiple-character capture.

In addition to entertainment, our technology has made its mark in broadcast media, where motion capture is used to create digital avatars for live events, and in sports, where athletes’ movements are analyzed to optimize performance and prevent injury. The same technology that animates characters in blockbusters and video games is now helping doctors and researchers better understand human movement in clinical settings, from rehabilitation to cutting-edge biomechanical studies.

The Future of Animation and Motion Capture

As we look at how far animation and motion capture have come, it’s clear that we’re standing on the shoulders of giants like Walt Disney, whose dedication to lifelike movement laid the groundwork for the modern mocap industry. Today, animation is more immersive than ever, thanks in large part to technological advances that allow creators to capture even the smallest details of human motion. Motion Analysis Corporation continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, leading the charge in transforming how we see and understand movement on screen.

From the dancing models of Disney’s day to the hyper-realistic characters in today’s films and games, the evolution of animation is a testament to the power of innovation and creativity. Whether it’s in the broadcast booth, a film studio, or a biomechanics lab, motion capture technology has redefined how we animate, analyze, and bring to life the movements that shape our world.

In Praise of Project Planning, Pilots, Points and Processing

Knowing where to place your Markers

Marker placement is a huge subject and can be tricky to grasp if you are a newcomer to Motion Capture. Even highly qualified and experienced biomechanists can struggle when presented with a new project and a blank sheet. If your mathematical background doesn’t include a detailed knowledge of Vector Algebra where do you start?

If you can find similar studies in the published literature you may be able to use a previously developed marker-set and modeling protocol. Many lower limb studies will be based on the so-called Helen Hayes method (though it is also known by many other names). This is often regarded as the gold standard for Gait Analysis, despite being from the 1980’s. It was perfect for the camera systems of the day, using the absolute minimum number of markers to save all the post processing time. It solves problems that 21st century systems no longer have. Though take care as almost all models now are ‘modified-Helen-Hayes’ and they vary in subtle ways.

If you can’t ‘stand on the shoulders of giants’ where do you begin? 

Let’s consider Markers, Virtual Markers and Points (ie coordinates in 3d space). Each segment that you want to track will need at least three, non-linear, points to give all six degrees of freedom, XYZ and 3 Rotations. An individual marker tells you a position; singularly it can’t give you an orientation.

These can be real markers or virtual ones, which are points calculated from marker data but offset in a rigorously defined way. For example if you want to know where a Knee Joint Centre (KJC) is, you can’t place a marker inside the body but if you can place two, carefully on the surface where the knee joint axis line passes through the skin it is possible to readily define the KJC, as a Virtual Marker, halfway between them. Motion Analysis’s highly regarded Cortex software has an easy to use graphical interface that presents this and even more complex Vector Algebra with beautiful simplicity.

Three markers for every segment can soon add up, but often a single, carefully defined point (real or virtual marker) can be shared. That KJC point, or the outside knee marker can be used for the thigh and shank segments.

After you have decided on a marker set that covers the segments that you need to know the angles between, plus all the other spatial–temporal parameters which Cortex will also calculate for you, you’ll be ready to get on with the fun part: the motion capture of all your subjects. Or can you?

You may need to revise your ideal marker set due to the reality of you systems camera count and the specific move you want to analyze. For example, if your laboratory has cameras permanently fixed high on the walls and you are studying push-ups, any markers on the front of the subject will be impossible to see. For the chest you could just place three or more markers on the subject’s back and remove the front markers. Or better still leave the front markers, add additional back markers and use predefined tools to recreate the ‘lost’ markers with virtual ones calculated from the relative positions of these extras. There are gap filling interpolation tools but they are making up data, whereas these ‘virtual joins’ are using genuine information.

It’s worth consider a Pilot Study

If this is all seeming a bit difficult to grasp, then we highly recommend a Pilot Study. Often the best way to find out what snags are going to catch you out is to get in the lab and try it. Set aside time to try a couple of subjects with different marker sets. Work through this data and find out where markers need adding, or which ones are not needed. It will also help you decide which parts of the myriad results are essential for your study.

Time and effort spent on a Pilot Study early on always saves you later down the line! It can help prevent hours of clean up and post processing, and most often it highlights a tiny tweak that could have prevented you answering the actual question you set out to study.

If you don’t have a lab yet but are thinking of investing in one then please contact Motion Analysis, we’ll be happy to discuss your experiment. We’ve helped set up thousands of labs around the world and will be happy to assist.

Important considerations when purchasing a motion capture system

If you’re still in the process of deciding on the motion capture system you need, we have put together a helpful checklist to keep in mind during your decision making process.

Introducing our new Reference Video Camera: The Rainbow

We’re proud to introduce Rainbow – our new line of HD video reference cameras designed to bring synchronized color video seamlessly into the Motion Analysis ecosystem.

An Integrated Reference Video Solution 

We developed the Rainbow cameras to integrate with our optical motion capture workflow. At its core, Rainbow leverages IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) technology to eenable precise  synchronization between the HD video stream and data captured from from our Thunderbird motion cameras. They will also work with Kestrel and other camera ranges.

This tight sync integration, combined with Rainbow’s impressive specs like Full-HD resolution at over 80 fps, and full vibrant color imaging, allows users to incorporate multiple HD camera views with lens-mapped video and 3D workspaces overlays. The resulting outputs are highly compressed AVI video files compatible with virtually any third-party video editing, analysis or markerless tracking tool.

Simple, Flexible Setup 

Powerful integrated video is only half of what makes Rainbow a game-changer. We’ve also ensured that these cameras are easy to incorporate into your motion capture volume or studio setup.

Rainbow uses standard C-mount lenses, putting the industry’s full range of optics at your disposal for coverage flexibility. Power over Ethernet (PoE) allows for a single ethernet cable run to each camera with 150 feet of reach, or more. A typical set up will have 6 Rainbow cameras but 8 channels or more is possible with high end PC hardware.

Whether you’re looking to add context with static wide shots or dynamic tracking cameras, configuring multi-angle video reference  is easy.

Empowering intelligent data visualization

With Rainbow’s ability to provide synchronized, high-fidelity color video streams precisely aligned to optical motion capture data, we’re empowering our users to take their movement analysis capabilities to new heights. Sports scientists can cross-reference player biomechanics to multi-angle video for deeper insights. Biomechanists can have HD video with lens mapped fidelity for vector overlays.  Animators can have multiple reference viewpoints for their shot-log.

Rainbow HD video cameras are now available to our global customer base.

Contact us for more information

10 Surprisingly cool career paths in motion analysis

You might think motion capture is all about Hollywood stars prancing around in spandex suits, but the applications of this cutting-edge technology go far beyond the silver screen. In fact, motion analysis experts are in high demand across a diverse range of sectors, each offering its own unique brand of fun and fulfillment. Let’s take a look:

1. Biomechanist barnstormers

As a motion analysis pro in the world of biomechanics, you’ll get to study the mechanics of the human body in mind-bending detail. Whether you’re helping athletes optimize their performance or assisting doctors in rehabilitation, your work will have a tangible impact on people’s lives. Plus, you get to geek out over fancy terms like “joint kinematics” and “ground reaction forces” – what’s not to love?

2. Virtual virtuoso

Love the idea of creating immersive virtual worlds? Motion analysis is the key to unlocking the next generation of gaming, VR, and animation. Become a motion-capturing maverick, and you could be the mastermind behind the captivating movements of your favorite video game characters or the lifelike animations that wow audiences.

3. Robotic rockstar

Ever dreamed of programming robots to move with the grace and dexterity of a human? Motion analysis is your ticket to the cutting edge of robotics and automation. Analyze movement patterns, optimize trajectories, and bring a touch of humanity to the machines of the future.

4. Sports sensation

For the athletically inclined, motion analysis offers a front-row seat to the inner workings of elite sports. Whether you’re helping coaches fine-tune training regimes or identifying injury risk factors, your work will give you an insider’s view of the high-stakes world of professional athletics.

5. Dance dynamo

Who says motion analysis is all about crunching numbers? If you’ve got a passion for the performing arts, you can put your movement expertise to work choreographing captivating dance routines or analyzing the technique of prima ballerinas. Get ready to pirouette your way into an exciting new career.

6. Accident investigator

When things go wrong, motion analysis can be a game-changer. From reconstructing car crashes to analyzing workplace incidents, your ability to break down complex movements can help uncover the truth and prevent future accidents.

7. Fashion forward

Haute couture may seem like an unlikely destination for a motion analysis pro, but the industry is actually teeming with opportunities. Leverage your movement expertise to design ergonomic clothing, optimize garment fit, and even enhance the runway experience with cutting-edge motion capture.

8. Medical maverick

In the world of healthcare, motion analysis is revolutionizing the way we diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate patients. From analyzing gait patterns to monitoring neurological conditions, your skills can make a real difference in people’s lives.

9. Industrial innovator

Motion analysis isn’t just for the glitz and glamor – it’s also transforming the way we approach industrial processes. Optimize manufacturing workflows, improve product design, and even enhance workplace safety through the power of movement data.

10. Wildlife wizard

For the nature enthusiasts out there, motion analysis can open the door to a career studying the remarkable movements of the animal kingdom. From tracking the migratory patterns of majestic creatures to analyzing the biomechanics of our furry, feathered, and finned friends, the possibilities are endless.

So, there you have it – ten surprisingly awesome career paths in the world of motion analysis. Whether you’re a data-crunching dynamo or a movement-loving maverick, the opportunities are endless. So why not strap on your motion capture suit and get ready to shake up the world?

11. Mocap manufacturer

If you’re technically-inclined, why not consider a role in the motion capture manufacturing industry? We employee all of the above, as well as high-end hardware and superb software engineers, marketing maestros, sales specialists, admirable administrators, terrific technicians and many more.

7 Ways movement tracking enhances sports performance

Movement tracking technologies, such as motion capture systems, have long been recognized for their valuable applications in sports performance analysis. However, beyond the obvious uses, these advanced tools can unlock a wealth of unexpected insights that can truly transform an athlete’s training and competitive edge.

1. Injury prevention and rehabilitation

By capturing detailed movement data, sports scientists can identify subtle biomechanical imbalances or movement patterns that predispose athletes to certain injuries. This allows for targeted interventions and adjustments to training regimes to mitigate injury risk. Similarly, motion tracking is invaluable in monitoring an athlete’s progress during rehabilitation, ensuring a safe and effective return to play.

2. Technique refinement

The granular data provided by movement tracking enables coaches and athletes to scrutinize technique with unprecedented precision. This allows for the identification of minute flaws or inefficiencies that may be hampering performance, leading to tailored technique adjustments that can unlock new levels of skill and efficiency.

3. Talent identification

Analyzing the movement signatures of elite athletes can provide a blueprint for the key physical attributes and motor control patterns that underpin success in a given sport. By applying this knowledge to the movement data of aspiring athletes, coaches can identify promising talent with greater accuracy, ensuring they nurture the right individuals for long-term development.

4. Psychomotor skills assessment

Movement tracking can reveal insights into an athlete’s cognitive and decision-making abilities, not just their physical skills. By studying how athletes respond to dynamic, game-like scenarios, researchers can assess psychomotor skills such as reaction time, spatial awareness, and anticipation – critical factors in many sports.

5. Fatigue monitoring

Continuous monitoring of an athlete’s movement patterns can provide early warning signs of neuromuscular fatigue, allowing coaches to optimize training loads and recovery periods. This helps prevent overtraining and ensures athletes reach competition day in peak condition.

6. Quantifying the effects of equipment and apparel

Motion capture allows sports scientists to precisely measure the impact of equipment, apparel, and even environmental factors on an athlete’s biomechanics and movement efficiency. This data can drive evidence-based decisions on the most performance-enhancing gear and playing surfaces.

7. Enhancing coaching effectiveness

Beyond the athlete, motion tracking technologies can enhance the effectiveness of coaches themselves. By providing objective, data-driven insights, coaches can make more informed decisions, refine their training methodologies, and better communicate with athletes to drive continuous improvement.

These are just a few of the unexpected ways that movement tracking is transforming the world of sports performance. As these technologies continue to evolve, the opportunities to gain a competitive edge will only expand, making them an increasingly indispensable tool for any serious athlete or coach.

Motion capture systems for animal studies

What is motion capture for animal studies?

A motion capture system is a mix of hardware and software that records the movement and positioning of objects or animals in three-dimensional space. It is used in fields such as animal behavior, biomechanics, and zoology to accurately analyze and study the movement and dynamics of various species.

How can a motion capture system enhance the work of an animal researcher?

Motion tracking systems provide animal researchers with valuable data and insights that can enhance their understanding of animal behavior, locomotion, and biomechanics. By capturing precise, three-dimensional movement data, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of factors such as gait patterns, joint kinematics, and the biomechanics of specific animal species.

What does a motion capture system consist of?

A typical motion capture system for animal studies includes the following key components:

Important considerations when purchasing a motion capture system for animal studies

When evaluating and purchasing a motion capture system for animal research, consider the following factors:

Conclusion

Selecting the right motion capture system is crucial for animal researchers to effectively conduct studies, assess animal behavior and biomechanics, and gain valuable insights. By considering the key factors outlined in this checklist, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your specific animal research needs and enhances the quality and impact of your work.

The biomechanist’s motion capture purchasing checklist

What is a motion capture system?

A motion capture system is a technology that records the movement and positioning of objects or individuals in three-dimensional space. It is widely used in fields such as biomechanics, movement science, and animation to accurately analyze and study human or object motion.

How can a motion capture system enhance the work of a biomechanist?

Motion capture systems provide biomechanists and movement scientists with valuable data and insights that can enhance research, clinical assessments, and the development of interventions. By capturing precise, three-dimensional movement data, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of factors such as joint kinematics, muscle activation patterns, and overall movement efficiency.

What does a motion capture system consist of?

A typical motion capture system includes the following key components:

Important considerations when purchasing a motion capture system

When evaluating and purchasing a motion capture system, consider the following factors:

Conclusion

Selecting the right motion capture system is crucial for biomechanists and movement scientists to effectively conduct research, assess clinical interventions, and gain valuable insights. By considering the key factors outlined in this checklist, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs and enhances the quality and impact of your work.

Motion Analysis Corporation Unveils Cortex 9.5 Software Upgrade

November 8 2023, California – Motion Analysis Corporation is excited to announce the highly-anticipated release of Cortex 9.5, the latest edition of its cutting-edge motion capture software. This update is now available for download and is accessible to all customers with active warranties or current software maintenance contracts.

Cortex 9.5 introduces a range of exceptional features and improvements that elevate the motion capture experience to new heights, providing users with greater flexibility, efficiency, and accuracy. Here are the key highlights of this remarkable update:

Quick Files Capture Status: Cortex 9.5 introduces Quick Files Capture Status indicators, simplifying the assessment of dataset status. Users can easily classify captures as “Unedited,” “In Progress,” or “Complete.” Customization options are also available, allowing users to create their own status names and icons, providing a user-friendly experience.

Kestrel Plus Cameras: With Cortex 9.5, Motion Analysis Corporation introduces the Kestrel Plus camera line, featuring the Kestrel Plus 3, Kestrel Plus 22, and Kestrel Plus 42. These new cameras seamlessly integrate with Cortex 9, expanding your capture capabilities and delivering high-quality results.

Trim Capture Modifications: Cortex 9.5 enhances the Trim Capture feature, enabling users to modify names, generate captures on a per-markerset basis, and add timecode support. This streamlined process facilitates the extraction of relevant data from capture files and offers improved post-processing options.

Workflow Improvements: Cortex 9.5 enhances the Workflow feature, making task execution even more efficient. Users can now utilize a search tool and a workflow repository, enabling easy access and management of workflows, optimizing productivity.

Live Detailed Hand Identification: Advanced hand tracking techniques have been integrated into Cortex 9.5, reducing marker swapping during live collection and post-processing of intricate finger movements. Users can contact the support team for a sample markerset to enable this feature.

Automatic Wand Identification for Reference Video Overlay Calibration: In a significant time-saving move, Cortex 9.5 automates the marker selection process for reference video overlay calibration, eliminating manual marker selection and potential user errors. This feature can be applied in both Live Mode and Post Process.

Bertec Digital Integration: Cortex 9.5 now offers support for Bertec AM6800 digital amplifiers, simplifying setup and reducing the number of required components, thus enhancing the overall user experience.

National Instruments New Device Compatibility: Cortex 9.5 continues its support for National Instruments A/D board data collection and expands compatibility to their next generation of DAQs, maintaining flexibility and ensuring compatibility with previously supported devices.

Additional Updates and Features: Several additional updates and features, such as the renaming of the Post Process X panel to Tracks, improved contrast in Dark Mode, and an increased marker slot limit, are included in this feature-rich update.

Cortex 9.5 marks a significant milestone in the field of motion capture, empowering users with advanced tools, enhanced workflows, and improved performance.

To learn more about Cortex 9.5 and take advantage of these exciting new features, download the full release notes here, or contact our sales and support teams for further information and assistance.

Motion Analysis Corporation continues to lead the way in motion capture technology, and Cortex 9.5 is a testament to our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.

About Motion Analysis Corporation

Motion Analysis Corporation is a leading provider of motion capture technology solutions for various industries, including entertainment, sports, healthcare, and research. With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, Motion Analysis Corporation strives to make motion capture more accessible and versatile.

Mocap in action: In conversation with Adam Cyr, Biomechanist at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital

A long-standing client, Mary Bridge Children’s Research and Movement Laboratory (RML) is a multidisciplinary facility that houses a team of engineers and clinicians who conduct research and use the latest technologies to identify, diagnose, and treat individuals with movement challenges.

We caught up with Adam Cyr, a biomechanist at the facility, who has a keen interest in applying engineering principles and techniques to understand how the human body performs. His goal is to improve injury prevention and treatment.

Here, we share what he had to say about his work and how he is using mocap as part of the biomechanics research he does on a daily basis.

Could you give us a quick overview of your background as it relates to the world of biomechanics and biomechanics research?

After completing my studies, I briefly worked at a company doing forensic biomechanics before I found myself at the Research and Movement Lab at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital. At the RML, we see patients with a wide variety of concerns, including neurological, muscular, and orthopedic disorders. We also see people who are looking to enhance their performance or who suffer from sports-related injuries.

How do you use motion capture technology in the work you do every day?

The more data we can collect, the better. We want to look at kids doing functional tasks. If we see a patient today and collect data on how they move in their preferred way and then they have some sort of intervention, we have data we can use to assess if there’s been an improvement because they will be moving better than before. Our goal is to inform the clinical providers, whether they’re surgeons or physical therapists, and provide them with objective data so they can make better decisions. 

On a typical day, we’ll spend a few hours with a patient either in the morning or the afternoon. We’ll prep the room to make sure that the motion capture system is ready and that the markers are ready to go. We’ll do a subjective history and a physical exam. And then we’ll put the markers on and get the patient to do basic movements. If there’s any particular activity that is causing a problem, we will have them do that activity specifically. After they leave, I compile the data, process it and turn it into graphs and meaningful insights for our therapists to review. It’s great to work this closely with clinicians to see the data and graphs transform into information that means something.  

Can you walk us through your experience using Motion Analysis and share some of the features you find most useful?

The motion capture system I inherited in my current position was an older one. We were very fortunate to be able to upgrade to some newer Motion Analysis cameras recently. The new tech is very impressive. From a size perspective, everything is getting smaller, the optics are better, the speed is better and these cameras can track much smaller markers. 

The cameras are also more advanced, which makes it easier to do things right the first time and not waste time cleaning up the data. This speeds up patient processing times. We want to get a report back to our patients within a couple weeks and if I’m spending a day cleaning up data, that isn’t possible. 

When I do have to clean up data, there are some great features on the backend that make it easier to do so. For example, if a marker dropped off and you didn’t notice, you can use virtual markers to fill in the data gap. I’ve also started to go down the road of playing with what they call the Sky Interface. This allows me to build my own scripts using a batch process. I’ve been working closely with the Motion Analysis team on this and they’ve been hugely helpful. When we collect EMG data, there’s a delay in time so we need to shift the data over for it to line up correctly. With the Sky Interface, I can code something so that I just have to hit one button and it goes through all of my captures and automatically shifts the data over.

We’re also starting to get into real-time feedback using Cortex software. In a clinical setting, we’d use this to better understand upper body motion. For example, we’d put markers on the elbow, the arm and the torso and ask children to reach around so we can see how far they can reach. With real-time feedback, it’s possible to have them reach for virtual markers on a screen, a bit like they are playing a video game. It would all be done in real time using the Motion Analysis workflows I’ve learned. In the work I do, it’s been enormously helpful for me to be able to pick up a phone and connect with the Motion Analysis customer support team or their engineering and technical teams because they are so willing to help out when I have a problem that I need to figure out right away.

If you, like Adam, want to leverage motion capture innovation to better understand movement-related conditions or improve how you monitor the tendencies and patterns of biomechanical movements, we can help. Learn more about how our team can support your mocap needs by scheduling a demo today.