Acquisition of an optical image capture and processing system for the analysis of human movement in the multidisciplinary center for movement analysis

• Grant number: 09/54221-2
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
• Start date: August 01, 2010
• End date: July 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Tania de Fatima Salvini
• Grantee: Tania de Fatima Salvini
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• EMU web page: Página do Equipamento Multiusuário não informada
• Type of equipment: Tipo de Equipamento Multiusuário não informado
• Manufacturer: Fabricante não informado
• Model: Modelo não informado

Abstract

This proposal is aimed at the acquisition of an optical motion capture system. The FAPESP Multi-user Equipment Program equipment was allocated in the Núcleo Multidisciplinar de Análise do Movimento (NAM, Multidisciplinary Center for Movement Analysis), which is affiliated with the Department of Physical Therapy and Graduate Program in Physical Therapy of the Federal University of Sao Carlos. This proposal arose from the need of researchers for a reliable and versatile optical system that enables the analysis of human movement. Before the aquisition of the optical system, most of studies developed at the NAM employed simple cameras. This metod is time-consuming in terms of assembly, configuration and calibration, as well as, especially, data processing and analysis. The new system can increase competitiveness in terms of publication in international journals, effectively increasing scientific production and facilitating the development of human resources. The proposal is supported by six associated projects and 18 complementary projects. Although each of those projects study different aspects of motion, they all contribute to the construction of scientific knowledge, regarding the prevention and correction of impaired human movement. In general, the results could lead to better quality of life for patients of all ages who have musculoskeletal involvement or neurological impairment, as well as those with occupational diseases or work-related injuries. Although there are limitations on the availability of equipment, the scientific production, as expressed by the numbers of articles published in indexed journals, theses, dissertations and basic research reported in the curricula vitae of the proponents of this request, attests to the development of studies in this area. These projects have secured funding, which speaks to the technical and scientific capability of the group. (AU)