A Robust Motion Signature for the Analysis of Knee Trajectories

We propose a new approach for the characterization of walking motion based on the information of marker trajectories. From these data we derive a set of time-related parameters which depend only on the relative configuration of the markers. The resulting parameter’s trajectories present two qualities: an important robustness with respect to the soft tissues perturbations together with a high correlation with the anatomical angle’s variations. This make them good candidates for the qualitative comparison of motions acquired with the same marker set. We illustrate the method on the knee joint for which a normal walking motion and a reference motion were recorded. Finally, we indicate an alternate application of this information.