Advancing sport performance and injury prevention: The pivotal role of 3D motion capture

Michael Chang (Presenter), Kerry Mann (Presenter), Praneel Titheradge (Presenter)

Research output: Other contribution to conferencePresentation only

Abstract

The advent of three-dimensional (3D) motion capture, using video-based camera technology, has revolutionised biomechanical analysis of human motion. Although the study of human movement can be traced back to the 17th century, it was the invention of photography that made detailed motion capture possible. This innovation allowed for the analysis of a horse during a fast trot, revealing a phase in which all the animal's feet were airborne—a phenomenon not observable with the naked eye. The 19th century saw motion analysis advance with the introduction of stick figure representations to depict the displacement of running. The early 20th century marked significant progress in computer-automated or semi-automated motion analysis, ultimately leading to the gold standard technology we use today.
Quantitative movement analysis in both sporting and clinical settings can be highly effective in identifying key biomechanical parameters. These parameters aid in improving performance and efficiency of movements, detecting injury risks, and even identifying disease progression. From a performance perspective, increased efficiency of a skill is advantageous, as it allows for modifications to enhance the skill or reduce energy requirements. Conversely, from an injury and disease perspective, early identification enables the implementation of intervention strategies aimed at reducing injury risk and slowing or preventing disease progression.
Our research team actively utilises 3D motion capture technology to improve the assessment of athletes' functional movements, thereby reducing their injury risk. Using motion capture, we have identified many key biomechanical factors that contribute to injury susceptibility in athletes, enabling for more targeted training and injury prevention programmes. In addition, we have investigated the relationship between aesthetic perception and the biomechanics of dancers by employing 3D motion capture to identify connections between movement patterns and the quality of the dance as perceived by the audience. Most recently, we have trained machine learning algorithms to recognise the subtle biomechanical signatures of strength and endurance training by taking advantage of the rich dataset obtained through 3D motion capture. This potentially has significant implications for talent identification, athletic performance evaluation, and injury prevention, in addition to its utility in evaluating the efficacy of training.

Dr Michael Chang is a seasoned Exercise Science Lecturer, specialising in Motor Control and Learning, and Biomechanics. Notably, his research is focused on the interplay between aesthetic perception and biomechanics in dance. Currently, Dr Chang is engaged in various research collaborations, exploring the applications of machine learning in sporting and clinical contexts and investigating coordination patterns across a diverse range of motor activities.
Dr Kerry Mann is a Biomechanist who has extensive experience in three-dimensional motion capture. Dr Mann’s primary research topic is Injury Prevention through Prediction. This research aims to examine the practical application of biomechanics in movement screening for the use in injury prevention, with the aim to reduce the injury rate among pre-elite youth athletes.
Dr. Praneel Titheradge is a sports scientist with a wealth of experience at all levels of sports performance, including elite sports. His professional background encompasses research design, manufacturing, and the validation of indirect calorimetry instruments. Currently, Dr. Titheradge is focusing on utilising machine learning to analyse breath biomarkers. This technique is being used as an evaluative measure of both athletic performance and recovery.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2023
EventIEEE International Conference on Multimedia and Expo 2023 - Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane, Australia
Duration: 10 Jul 202314 Jul 2023
https://www.2023.ieeeicme.org
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/conhome/10219544/proceeding?isnumber=10219545&sortType=vol-only-seq (Proceedings)

Conference

ConferenceIEEE International Conference on Multimedia and Expo 2023
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityBrisbane
Period10/07/2314/07/23
OtherJoin us at the next IEEE International Conference on Multimedia and Expo coming to Brisbane, Australia from July 10 to 14, 2023
The IEEE International Conference on Multimedia & Expo (ICME) has been the flagship multimedia conference for the past two decades. Through the IEEE societies, the Conference serves as a forum to promote the latest advances in multimedia technologies, systems, and applications from both a research and development perspective.

ICME attracts well over 1000 submissions and 500 participants each year, serving as the prime forum for the dissemination of knowledge in the multimedia field. ICME 2023 will showcase high quality oral and poster presentations, as well as feature Workshops sponsored by IEEE societies. Researchers, developers and practitioners are welcomed to organise such Workshops on any new or emerging topic of Multimedia technology. An exposition of multimedia products, animations and industries will be held in conjunction with the conference. Moreover, proposals for Panels, Tutorials, Special Sessions, Industry Technology Workshops and Grand Challenges are also invited. In ICME 2023, exceptional papers and contributors will be also selected and recognised with prestigious awards.
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