Peak Knee Flexion and Real-World Running: Indoor-Outdoor Differences in Joint Kinematics with Markerless Motion Capture
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Tyler Brown, Boise State University
Presentation Date
7-2025
Abstract
Low-cost, portable markerless motion capture has demonstrated promise to accurately measure joint kinematics during running – particularly within controlled laboratory spaces. Yet, the capability to measure joint kinematics in less controlled environments, like an outdoor recreational run, is unknown. This study sought to evaluate lower limb joint kinematics with markerless motion capture while individuals ran indoors and outdoors running over different surfaces. We hypothesize that markerless motion capture will overestimate peak lower limb flexion during both indoor and outdoor running compared to traditional marker-based systems, but markerless derived peak flexion angles will be greater outdoors. Up to 24 participants (12 male and 12 female) will have lower limb biomechanics recorded when running a comfortable sustained pace in laboratory by both markerless and marker-based motion capture, and by markerless motion capture at two instances during a longer outdoor run. Peak hip, knee and ankle joint flexion will be submitted to analysis. We expect that markerless motion capture will consistently overestimate peak lower limb flexion, particularly at the knee, and markerless derived flexion angles will be greatest during outdoor running. Providing researchers and clinicians the accurate markerless capability will improve accessibility of rehabilitation, sports performance, and clinical diagnostics.
Peak Knee Flexion and Real-World Running: Indoor-Outdoor Differences in Joint Kinematics with Markerless Motion Capture
Low-cost, portable markerless motion capture has demonstrated promise to accurately measure joint kinematics during running – particularly within controlled laboratory spaces. Yet, the capability to measure joint kinematics in less controlled environments, like an outdoor recreational run, is unknown. This study sought to evaluate lower limb joint kinematics with markerless motion capture while individuals ran indoors and outdoors running over different surfaces. We hypothesize that markerless motion capture will overestimate peak lower limb flexion during both indoor and outdoor running compared to traditional marker-based systems, but markerless derived peak flexion angles will be greater outdoors. Up to 24 participants (12 male and 12 female) will have lower limb biomechanics recorded when running a comfortable sustained pace in laboratory by both markerless and marker-based motion capture, and by markerless motion capture at two instances during a longer outdoor run. Peak hip, knee and ankle joint flexion will be submitted to analysis. We expect that markerless motion capture will consistently overestimate peak lower limb flexion, particularly at the knee, and markerless derived flexion angles will be greatest during outdoor running. Providing researchers and clinicians the accurate markerless capability will improve accessibility of rehabilitation, sports performance, and clinical diagnostics.