Markerless Motion Capture for Biomechanical Applications

Most common methods for accurate capture of three-dimensional human movement require a laboratory environment and the attachment of markers or fixtures to the bodys segments. These laboratory conditions can cause unknown experimental artifacts. Thus, our understanding of normal and pathological human movement would be enhanced by a method that allows the capture of human movement without the constraint of markers or fixtures placed on the body. The need for markerless human motion capture methods is discussed and the advancement of markerless approaches is considered in view of accurate capture of three-dimensional human movement for biomechanical applications. The role of choosing appropriate technical equipment and algorithms for accurate markerless motion capture is critical. The implementation of this new methodology offers the promise for simple, timeefficient, and potentially more meaningful assessments of human movement in research and clinical practice.