Rating a physical capability by motion analysis

Abstract

Motion Analysis is used to classify or rate human capability in a physical domain via a minimized movement and data collection protocol optionally producing a discreet, overall figure of merit of the selected physical capability. The minimal protocol can be determined by data mining or other analysis of a more extensive movement and data collection. Protocols can be relevant in medical, sports and occupational applications. Kinematic, kinetic, body type, Electromyography (EMG), Ground Reactive Force (GRF), demographic, and psychological data can be encompassed. Resulting protocols can be capable of transforming raw data representing specific human motions into an objective rating of a skill or capability related to those motions.

1 . A method of producing a protocol comprising:
 (a) accepting a time-series of values representative of parameters of the motion of at least two body locations on at least two of individuals while those individuals perform at least two motion tasks;   (b) analyzing those values with a data mining computer program to effectively assign at least one of the individuals to one of at least two groups based upon that analyzing of the time-series values, each group being defined by a common physical attribute;   (c) identifying one or more subsets of the parameters, and of the associated body locations, and of the associated motion tasks, respectively, that collectively possess effective statistical power to assign an individual to their proper group.   
     
     
         2 . A method of rating a given physical capability of a human, comprising:
 ascribing a rating to a given physical capability of a subject by analyzing a time-series of information representing the motion of at least two predetermined body locations, while that subject performs a predetermined motion task;   further, the ascribed rating determined by detecting a similarity between the time series of information and time-series information from related measurements made on one or more individuals performing the predetermined motion task; the similarity criteria for ascribing a rating being based upon predetermined rules.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  further comprising determining the body locations according to predetermined rules. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2  further comprising determining the motions according to predetermined rules. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2  where at least a portion of the time-series of information are represent ground reactive force measurements. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2  where at least a portion of time-series of information represent EMG measurements. 
     
     
         7 . A method of associating a designation to a given physical capability of a subject, comprising:
 a) a step for accepting data that characterize the movement of two or more of a subject's body portions, while the subject performs a series of motions indicated by predetermined rules;   b) a step for assessing a degree of similarity of the subject' s characterized movement with respect to comparable characterizations of comparable movements made by at least two individuals; the individuals each having respective designations in the given physical capability;   c) a step for associating a designation to a given physical capability of a subject based upon said step for assessing.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  where at least a portion of the data that characterize movement represent ground reactive force measurements. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  where at least a portion of the data that characterize movement are represent EMG measurements.