The effect of differing Cardan angle sequences on three dimensional lumbo-pelvic angular kinematics during running

The variability in the three dimensional (3D) lumbo-pelvic angular kinemati c patterns during running when using differing Cardan angle sequences was q uantified. Data for four able-bodied subjects running on a treadmill at 4.0 m/s were captured using a motion analysis system with six cameras operatin g at 200 Hz. The adjusted coefficient of multiple correlation was used to c ompare graphical waveforms whilst the maximum root mean square of the diffe rences was used to express the magnitude of any discrepancy in absolute uni ts. Minimal qualitative differences were found between the various sequence s. Quantitative differences between each of the Cardan angle sequences were not found to exceed 7.0 degrees and 2.8 degrees for the lumbar spine and p elvic rotations respectively. It was concluded that different Cardan angle sequences were not found to substantially affect typical 3D lumbo-pelvic an gular kinematic patterns during running. (C) 2001 IPEM. Published by Elsevi er Science Ltd. All rights reserved.