Integrated Motion Analysis

Human movement arises from complex signal processing controlled by the central nervous system. Gait analysis therefore involves researching many factors and performing a correlated analysis of myoneural and biomechanical parameters. BTS technology uses a dedicated integrated system to perform a triple and simultaneous kinematic, kinetic and electromyographic synchronized analysis at any point in time. The objective is to enhance and facilitate diagnostic evaluation with digital data, which supports the physician in optimizing the selection of patient treatment and constitutes an instrument for the evaluation of the effectiveness of the applied treatment as a function of time.

Kinematics - Optoelectronic motion capture and analysis systems
The optoelectronic system is comprised of cameras with illuminators and CCD sensors for infrared radiation. The markers positioned on the subject are covered with a reflective coating. Their reflection, when suitably processed, provides the three-dimensional coordinates of each point. By integrating this data with the physical position of the cameras, the three-dimensional position of the marker can be obtained by stereoscopic processing. By recording the three-dimensional position for each point in time, the trajectories and consequently the kinematic data such as displacement, velocity, acceleration and angles can be obtained..

BTS SMART-d digital motion capture solution for research applications

Kinetics - Force platforms
Reaction forces from the ground can be measured with force platforms. The measured force, together with kinematic analysis, allow for the study of moments and powers for specific articulations. The force platforms are fitted with sensors that detect the forces acting when the subject strikes the ground. The forces are analyzed in the three main planes, divided in the vertical, front-back and median-side components. The sensors used are generally strain gauge or piezoelectric devices, which both provide, when suitably powered, an electrical signal that varies proportionally to the applied weight. The measured forces, together with the kinematic data allow the calculation of articular moments and powers. BTS systems support and integrate with force platforms from AMTI, Bertec and Kistler.

Electromyography
The EMG analysis is the electrical representation of muscular contraction. The muscular fibers, excited by the impulse from the nervous system via the motor plate, contract. If two bipolar electrodes are applied on the surface of the skin, a variation of the distribution of voltage potential can be detected during muscular contraction. By recording this variation, a signal is obtained that represents the muscular activity as a function of the movement being performed. Using surface electrodes simplifies considerably the detection of the signal and, together with the noninvasive technique used, allows recording both static and dynamic exertion, for example when exercises or functional gestures are executed. Data obtained on the status of muscular activation can be analyzed (time of activation, duration and, within specific limits, the intensity). Particularly suited to gait analysis, it also provides useful data about the processes of the central nervous system that control the movement of the upper limb.

BTS PocketEMG or BTS FreeEMG for your EMG applications.
BTS Myolab software for research EMG applications
BTS EMGenius software for clinical EMG applications

Video analysis
Up to four video cameras allow for capturing video data of a subject from different angles. The cameras are integrated in the overall system and data is collected synchronously with kinematic and analog signals. Complementary to the kinematic analysis, the video recordings of the movement provide qualitative data that supports the overall clinical evaluation. Though it does not provide numerical data, it is useful for repeated observation of the patient by the physician, for documenting progress in treatment and for better educating patients by seeing changes.

BTS VIXTA for video analysis.

BTS provides Integrated Motion Analysis Solutions

BTS has equipped and installed many clinical and research laboratories with integrated motion analysis solutions worldwide. Our experience lies specifically in the clinical field and was acquired through close cooperation with physicians and researchers.