Three-dimensional gait analysis using a virtual reality tracking system
Magdalena Żuk, Magdalena Wojtków, Michał Popek, Jakub Mazur, Katarzyna Bulińska
Abstract
The development of virtual reality (VR) technology has prompted low-budget hardware accessories for VR headsets that support six degrees of freedom (6DOF) tracking. In this study, two methods for describing lower-limb joint kinematics were proposed, implemented in custom software, and validated: Simplified 6DOF protocol and a previously proposed ISB 6DOF based on reporting standard for joint kinematics introduced by International Society of Biomechanics (ISB) adjusted to the HTC Vive Trackers. The low-cost system allowed for the collection of complete kinematic data of the lower limb, obtaining continuous tracker trajectories without time-consuming system calibration. The obtained data can serve as reference data for normal gait. The performed analysis confirmed the high repeatability, comparable with advanced optoelectronic motion capture systems. The proposed tools enable low-cost analysis of the kinematics without the use of additional equipment but in accordance with the protocols used in biomechanical research and consistent with clinical practice.