Motion analysis essays

Motion analysis essays The applications of motion anlalysis to the medical field are increasing as research in this area increases and new technology becomes available. The purpose of motion anlysis in the medical field is to provide a quantitative analysis of the function or dysfunction of the neuromuscular skeletal system. The most common application of motion analysis is gait analysis. Because of this, most research facilities are called gait laboratories. One common application of gait analysis is the assessment of postural balance. When a person is standing still and in equilibrium, their cen ter of gravity is directly above their center of pressure. The center of pressure is measured with a force plate and can be accura t ely determined at any time. This can be difficult because of the inability to define the center of gravity in real time. Motion analysis has been used to evaluate walking, mostly in children who suffer from neuromuscular disorders such as cerebral palsy or meningomyelocele. Motion analysis laboratories use computer based analysis of video-taping and 3-D kinematics, tracking retroreflective markers along the legs. Surface electromyography is used to identify information about the firing pattern of individual muscles during walking, and needle electromyography is used to assess the tibialis posterior muscle which is located far from the skins surface. Motion analysis is also being used to measure upper limb function, spinal curvature, and cervical spine movement. It is also valuable in evaluating pharmaceutical drugs used for muscular and skeletal problems. ...