Application of a magnetic tracking device to kinesiologic studies

A magnetic position and orientation tracking system ∗ ∗ 3Space ™ Isotrak ™ System (Polhemus Navigation Sciences Division, McDonnell Douglas Electronics Company, Hercules Drive, P.O. Box 560, Colchester, VT, 05446, USA. is currently available for the determination of the position and orientation of a sensor relative to a source by utilizing the principle of low-frequency magnetic field technology. The application of this system for biomechanical analysis of human movement is examined in this study. Studies of both planar particle motion and spatial rigid body motion based on Eulerian angle description and screw displacement axis description have been performed. The system has been found to be quite accurate and easy to use, and it would be a useful tool in kinesiologic research.