Course Objective

• To be able to define and calculate local joint coordinate systems
• To be able to use and understand different calibration methods and
their limitations
• To be able to translate technical motion descriptions into clinically
relevant units
• To apply the above to experimental data
. Be aware of, and understand, interpretation difficulties related
to Euler decompositions
• To interpret and comment on methods as described in the literature

Course Content

In this course students are introduced to the fundamentals of
three-dimensional kinematics, as well as the (more or less) standard
application methods. The course can be seen as an extension of the
Applied Biomechanics course where students worked with a 3D model and
pre-processed algorithms. In this course, students will have to program
the (basic) algorithms from scratch and / or construct script files that
use Matlab toolbox applications. Much attention is paid to the
interpretation of 3-D kinematics results and the pitfalls an confusions
related to the (mis)use of 3-D methods.

The course will comprise three separate blocks focusing on:
1. the definition and use of local coordinate systems in the calculation
of osteokinematics;
2. the use of technical marker sets as well as the practical
implications of data processing, especially correcting for missing
markers and;
3. the calculation procedures for obtaining helical axes, needed for the
definition of functional axes-based coordinate systems.

Teaching Methods

Lectures, computer practicals and tutorials

The three computer practicals are obligatory, but are not separately
assessed.
The first two blocks / practicals there are linked to optional in-term
assessments. Each
practical will contribute for 20% to the final score.

Method of Assessment

- completion of all 3 assignments is mandatory to qualify for the exam
- two optional in-term tests on calculation skills, partially exempting
for exam
- final test on calculation skills + literature
- score: 3 x 20% for calculation questions (one for each block)
40% for essay question

Entry Requirements

This course requires proficiency in Matlab and matrix calculation. If
there is a deficiency related to Matlab skills, students are strongly
advised to take the TUE web-based matlab course that can be found at
http://www.imc.tue.nl/

Some overlap exists with Applied Biomechanics, but 3D Kinematics will
focus more on developing the skills to perform your own analysis from
scratch as well as the interpretation of results in the light of the
underlying methods and method assumptions

Literature

Relevant papers will be listed in Canvas.
A useful source is the book by Zatsiorsky (Zatsiorsky, Valdimir M.,
Kinematics of Human Motion. Champaign, Illinois: Human Kinetics, 1st
edition, 1998. ISBN 0-880110767-5), which will be used as reference
material.

Target Audience

The course is especially suitable for students who intend to perform
their own research in motion analysis, based on opto-electronic data
collection.
If students do NOT have sufficient matlab skills, it will be difficult
if not impossible to successfully follow this course

Additional Information

The maximum number of participants in this course is limited to 40.

Recommended background knowledge

Matlab and matrix calculation
Basic Anatomy