Mini Review

Investigating The Impact of Footbath Therapy on Body Composition and Meridian Energy for Health Enhancement

Christine D Walck*

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, USA

Submission:January 23, 2024; Published:January 30, 2024

*Corresponding author:Christine D Walck, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, USA

How to cite this article:Christine D W. Motion Capture Technology: Unleashing the Potential of Human Movement Analysis. Curr Trends Biomedical Eng & Biosci. 2024; 22(2): 556085. DOI:10.19080/CTBEB.2024.22.556085

Abstract

As I delve into the transformative realm of motion capture technology and its profound impact on the study of human movement, I am struck by its versatility that extends far beyond the boundaries of sports medicine. Originally a stalwart in animation, motion capture technology has matured into an indispensable tool for comprehending various facets of movement dynamics. It delivers intricate three- dimensional kinematic data, and when coupled with force plates, it ushers us into the realm of inverse dynamics, facilitating the analysis of internal muscle forces and joint moments. Drawing from my own research, this paper showcases the practical applications of motion capture technology, demonstrating its relevance in the holistic study of human biomechanics. These advancements not only enhance the precision of performance improvement strategies but also play a vital role in injury prevention and rehabilitation. This exploration underscores the potential of motion capture technology to revolutionize training methodologies and injury management across various fields related to human movement. Furthermore, it leaves us with ideas on enhancing musculoskeletal computational modeling programs for more realistic simulations which account for extrinsic factors.

Keywords:Motion Capture Technology; Biomechanical Analysis; Human Movement Study; Inverse Dynamics, Rehabilitation; Sports Medicine

Introduction

The journey that has led us to this juncture is one characterized by relentless innovation and an unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of our understanding of human potential in the realm of biomechanics. The evolution of motion capture technology, from its origins in animation and filmmaking, reflects the dedication of researchers, scientists, and practitioners to transcend the boundaries of human movement science. Central to this transformative journey is the realization that an in-depth understanding of biomechanics holds the key to unlocking new frontiers in the analysis of human movement. By harnessing the power of motion capture technology, along with advanced post-processing techniques like inverse dynamics, we have delved deeper into the intricate nuances of human movement than ever before. This profound understanding has led to a paradigm shift in how we approach the comprehensive study of human movement, offering innovative methodologies that enhance our comprehension of biomechanics and open exciting possibilities for optimizing human performance as well as rehabilitation protocols. Take, for instance, a scenario involving an athlete who has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while engaged in sports. Following ACL reconstruction surgery, the athlete embarks on a rigorous rehabilitation program aimed at restoring strength, stability, and function to the injured knee [1]. Musculoskeletal modeling takes center stage in this journey. The rehabilitation team meticulously gathers data on the athlete’s knee joint range of motion, muscle strength, and gait patterns. Utilizing specialized musculoskeletal modeling software like OpenSim, a personalized musculoskeletal model of the athlete’s lower extremity is crafted, accounting for unique anatomical factors such as bone lengths and muscle attachments.

With this personalized model in hand, the rehabilitation team conducts simulations to scrutinize the athlete’s biomechanics during various movements, including walking, running, and squatting. Musculoskeletal modeling unveils critical insights, such as abnormal muscle activation patterns and imbalances in the injured leg. It may reveal instances where certain muscles are compensating for the weakened ACL, shedding light on the intricacies of the athlete’s biomechanics. Leveraging optimization techniques within the musculoskeletal model, the rehabilitation team tailors exercises and protocols to precisely address muscle weaknesses and joint instabilities identified through modeling. The rehabilitation plan undergoes continual adjustment based on these insights, facilitating a more expedited recovery and minimizing the risk of re-injury.

Throughout the rehabilitation journey, musculoskeletal modeling serves as an invaluable tool for progress monitoring. This approach not only expedites recovery but also enhances an athlete’s confidence in returning to sports and everyday activities. However, our journey is not over yet has only begun. As you continue reading you will see that the following experiments and post processing techniques are unable to simulate how environmental hazards such as exposure to carbon dioxide or radiation exposer affects the musculoskeletal system and its performance.

Methods

In my own studies, motion capture technology and inverse dynamics plays a central role in data collection. I employ a motion capture analysis system (VICON Nexus, version 2.7; Oxford Metrics Ltd.), which consists of four V2.2 cameras mounted on tripods calibrated to optimal frame rates of 420 Hz and 330 Hz (V5, V2.2). Simultaneously, ground reaction forces (GRFs) are meticulously collected using AMTI force plates (OR6 2000 series; 1000 Hz; Advanced Medical Technologies Inc.) [2-8]. To facilitate post-processing, I harness the capabilities of an open-source Computational Musculoskeletal Modeling and Simulation library (NCSSR, Stanford, Palo Alto, CA) [1]. This library serves as the foundation for the creation of subject- specific musculoskeletal models. The workflow commences with the establishment of a subject-specific model, followed by the execution of an inverse kinematics and inverse dynamics workflow, enabling the precise calculation of joint angles and joint moments. Subsequently, a static optimization process was initiated, guided by the residual reduction algorithm module, facilitating the calculation of individual muscle forces. To ensure the integrity of the data, kinematic and kinetic information is filtered using a low-pass 6 Hz filter. This comprehensive methodology extends beyond the boundaries of sports medicine, encompassing the broader study of human movement. It forms the cornerstone of our exploration into the applications of motion capture technology and postprocessing inverse dynamics for the meticulous analysis of human movement, offering profound insights into the dynamics of biomechanics.

Results

The utilization of motion capture technology, combined with advanced post-processing techniques like inverse dynamics, represents a monumental advancement in the field of biomechanics. This synergy has resulted in a profound deepening of our comprehension of human movement dynamics. A compelling illustration of this transformative capability is found in one of my previous studies, titled “Movement Optimization through Musculoskeletal Modeling and Multidimensional Surface Interpolation.” In this research, motion capture technology played a pivotal role in meticulously recording the intricate movements of astronauts within the unique environment of the International Space Station (ISS). The utilization of inverse dynamics was not merely innovative; it was an absolute necessity for unraveling the complexities of movement dynamics in the microgravity setting of space. This endeavor led to the development of exercise protocols tailored to the specific challenges of space travel. In a parallel context, studies focusing on knee mechanics in female lacrosse players and the biomechanical impact of knee orthotics during squat movements underscore the indispensable role of motion capture technology [1]. The insights garnered from this technology, coupled with sophisticated post-processing methodologies, have enriched our understanding of muscle activation patterns and joint mechanics. Importantly, this knowledge transcends the realm of academia, finding realworld applications in the enhancement of injury prevention and rehabilitation strategies in sports.

One particularly notable study, “A Patient-Specific Lower Extremity Biomechanical Analysis of a Knee Orthotic during a Deep Squat Movement,” exemplifies the synergistic relationship between motion capture technology and OpenSim modeling [8]. This investigation relied on the precise capture of kinematic and kinetic data during squat movements, facilitated by the VICON system and an AMTI force plate. The subsequent utilization of OpenSim’s GAIT 2392 model, tailored to the subject’s unique musculoskeletal structure, enabled a nuanced simulation of joint angles, moments, and individual muscle forces.

The findings from this study are nothing short of illuminating. They reveal that the non-linear spring- loaded knee joint orthosis (NLSL KJO) impacts muscle activation, particularly in the posterior chain, signifying a departure from conventional movement patterns toward more balanced muscle engagement. This is not a mere theoretical advancement; it signals a tangible shift in orthotic design philosophy, emphasizing both performance enhancement and assistance. Furthermore, the analysis of joint range of motion (ROM) and muscle forces sheds light on the orthotic’s role in promoting a more neutral and potentially advantageous posture during squat movements. The heightened activation of the gluteus maximus (GMX) and the corresponding redistribution of weight underscore the orthotic’s influence on movement patterns. In essence, the amalgamation of motion capture and OpenSim modeling in this study has not only deepened our comprehension of the biomechanical impact of the NLSL KJO but also exemplifies the potential of such technology in advancing orthotic design and rehabilitation methodologies. The implications for future research and application in sports medicine and rehabilitation are both exhilarating and promising.

Discussion

The integration of motion capture technology in the study of human movement has transcended boundaries, offering invaluable insights beyond the realm of sports alone. This transformative tool has ushered in a new era of studying movement holistically, impacting fields ranging from sports science to healthcare. The nuanced understanding it provides of human biomechanics, as demonstrated in this exploration, holds the potential to revolutionize training, rehabilitation, and healthcare on a broader scale. While the study primarily focuses on the role of motion capture technology in sports medicine, it is essential to acknowledge that its applications extend far beyond this realm. The synergy between motion capture and computational modeling has given rise to innovative concepts and methodologies that can revolutionize healthcare, rehabilitation, and our understanding of human movement as a whole.

However, it is crucial to address the shortcomings and challenges that accompany the widespread adoption of this technology. High costs and the need for specialized expertise pose significant barriers. Efforts must be made to democratize access to motion capture technology and the expertise required to harness its full potential. Only through concerted efforts to make this technology more accessible can we fully unlock its transformative capabilities for the benefit of athletes, patients, and individuals seeking to optimize their movement. Furthermore, to enhance the efficacy of musculoskeletal computational models, future research should focus on incorporating environmental and extrinsic factors. These models need to simulate the changes in internal structure and function over time and their response to extrinsic/intrinsic environments. By integrating time-dependent effects and environmental factors, computational models can offer more comprehensive and realistic representations of ligament behavior, leading to improved injury prevention and rehabilitation strategies.

Finally, motion capture technology, particularly when combined with post-processing inverse dynamics, represents a significant advancement in sports medicine. Its ability to analyze internal muscle forces and improve athletic performance holds immense potential for the future of athlete training and rehabilitation. Moving forward, the development of more sophisticated models that incorporate a wider range of variables will be crucial in realizing the full potential of this technology in sports science and medicine.

Conclusion

Motion capture technology, combined with inverse dynamics, represents a groundbreaking advancement in the study of human movement, transcending boundaries beyond the realm of sports alone. Its potential to revolutionize training, rehabilitation, and healthcare is immense. However, addressing challenges such as cost and expertise is essential to harnessing its full potential and ushering in a new era of movement analysis and optimization.

References

1. Peel S (2020) Lower Extremity Muscle Contributions To Acl Loading In Healthy And Acl-Reconstructed Females. University of Tennessee 121: 110426.
2. Christine W (2020) A patient-specific lower extremity biomechanical analysis of a knee orthotic during a deep squat movement. Medical Engineering & Physics 80: 1-7.
3. Christine DTF, Yeram L, Victor H, Daryl O, Todd F (2020) The Effect of Non-Linear Spring-Loaded Knee Orthosis on Lower Extremity Biomechanics. in ISB/ASB 2019 Conference.
4. V Huayamave, Erin Mannen, Nathan Stanton, Christine Walck (2019) A Novel Computational Model of Babywearing to Predict Growth and Development of the Pediatric Hip Joint.
5. Walck CD (2019) Biomechanical Response of the Knee Complex to a Non-Linear Spring-Loaded Knee Joint Orthosis, in College of Mechanical Engineering. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: Hunt Library.
6. Walck C, Farnese T, Lim Y, Huayamave V, Furman T (2020) The Effect of Non-Linear Spring-Loaded Knee Orthosis on Lower Extremity Biomechanics. in 16^th International Symposium on Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering and the 4^th Conference on Imaging and Visualization Pp. 371-383.
7. Walck C, Victor H, Daryl O, Todd F, Tyler F, et al., (2020) A patient-specific lower extremity biomechanical analysis of a knee orthotic during a deep squat movement. Med Eng Phys 80: 1-7.
8. Walck CC Lamb, P Vilches (2023) Movement Optimization Through Musculoskeletal Modeling and Multidimensional Surface Interpolation. Springer International Publishing, pp. 59-64.