Repeatability of skin-markers based kinematic measures from a multi-segment foot model in walking and running

Author(s)

Matias, Alessandra B. ; Caravaggi, Paolo ; Leardini, Alberto ; Taddei, Ulisses T. ; Ortolani, Maurizio ; Sacco, Isabel

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS; v. 110, p. 6-pg., 2020-09-18.

Abstract

Skin-markers based multi-segment models are growing in popularity to assess foot joint kinematics in different motor tasks. However, scarce is the current knowledge of the effect of high-energy motor tasks, such as running, on the repeatability of these measurements. This study aimed at assessing and comparing the inter-trial, inter-session, and inter-examiner repeatability of skin-markers based foot kinematic measures in walking and running in healthy adults. The repeatability of 24 kinematic measures from an established multi-segment foot model were assessed in two volunteers during multiple barefoot walking and running trials by four examiners in three sessions. Statistical Parametric Mapping (1D-SPM) analysis was performed to assess the degree of shape-similarity between patterns of kinematic measurements. The average inter-trial variability across measurements (deg) was 1.0 +/- 0.3 and 0.8 +/- 0.3, the inter-session was 3.9 +/- 1.4 and 4.4 +/- 1.5, and the inter-examiner was 5.4 +/- 2.3 and 5.7 +/- 2.2, respectively in walking and running. Inter-session variability was generally similar between the two motor tasks, but significantly larger in running for two kinematic measures (p < 0.01). Inter examiner variability was generally larger than inter-trial and inter-session variability. While no significant differences in frame-by-frame offset variability was detected in foot kinematics between walking and running, 1D-SPM revealed that the shape of kinematic measurements was significantly affected by the motor task, with running being less repeatable than walking. Although confirmation on a larger population and with different kinematic protocols should be sought, attention should be paid in the interpretation of skin-markers based kinematics in running across sessions or involving multiple examiners. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/23975-8 - Biomechanical study of the foot and ankle kinematics of runners: scientific collaboration and student coorientation
• Grantee: Isabel de Camargo Neves Sacco
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• FAPESP's process: 16/17077-4 - Effects of a foot and ankle complex strengthening program on the occurrence of injuries and biomechanics in long distance runners: a controlled, randomized clinical trial
• Grantee: Alessandra Bento Matias
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 17/26844-1 - Running in minimal footwear, partial minimal and barefoot: joint kinetics and loading rates patterns
• Grantee: Alessandra Bento Matias
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 15/14810-0 - Biomechanical and functional aspects of the musculoskeletal system of runners: chronic effects of therapeutic exercise and aging
• Grantee: Isabel de Camargo Neves Sacco
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants