Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Human movement researchers across Canada have an opportunity to reimagine what data collection looks like with innovative new technology. Using a machine learning-based markerless motion capture system that extracts biomechanical data from synchronized videos, we are developing the next generation of biomechanical analysis tools. This equipment grant will support the purchase of the optimal video camera systems for markerless motion capture. One system will be used in the Human Mobility Research Laboratory of Dr. Kevin Deluzio, who is an experienced human motion researcher and a pioneer in the adoption of markerless technology. Two additional systems will be a set of mobile systems for our collaborator and for remote site data collection. This will allow us to take a motion capture lab to any site. The result will be the most cost-effective and least invasive way of collecting human movement data. By removing physical barriers to data collection, we can partner with our collaborator Dr. Janie Wilson at the Dynamics of Human Motion Laboratory at Dalhousie University to do multi-site biomechanics research. Markerless motion capture provides a feasible way to collect biomechanical data with a level of reliability that is not achievable by legacy technologies, unlocking the potential to collect these data at an epidemiological scale. Building biomechanical analysis tools from large datasets collected on diverse populations, including individuals with musculoskeletal diseases, will ensure the development of robust and effective tools. This type of research on vulnerable patients has been severely limited by the nature of the preceding marker-based technology and underscores the forthcoming expansion of human mobility research resulting from this new technology. This research (currently supported by NSERC-DG and NSERC-CRD grants) will be severely impacted by a delay in acquisition of equipment as the requested camera systems will replace existing equipment that is not suitable for the proposed work due to limits in the area that can be recorded. Over the next five years it is projected that 50 HQPs will use these systems in addition to the 8 current post-graduates that have research planned and ongoing working with the system. Markerless motion capture marks a major advancement in the field of biomechanics and will have an incredible impact on both the progression of fundamental research and the application of this research to musculoskeletal diseases, clinical movement disorders, injuries, and athletic performance. By supporting the purchase of markerless motion capture video camera systems, the Human Mobility Research Laboratory in partnership with Dynamics of Human Motion Laboratory will lead the way towards the development of biomechanical analysis tools that can be used for future translational research.