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Data Collection Guide

Experimental Data

This section will cover the experimental data that should be collected to use the NMSM Pipeline tools.

Motion Capture Data

Motion data are required for all tools. Files containing kinematic marker data should be collected for:

  • The motions to be studied (Required).
  • Static trials for OpenSim model scaling (Optional).
  • Isolated joint motion trials for JMP (Optional).
    • For gait, recommended trials for the hip, knee, and ankle on both sides.
    • Recommended range of motion of at least 25°.
    • Recommended at least 3 markers on each body segment being modeled.

Data should be stored in a .trc file.

There must be at least 200 ms of "padding" on either side of the desired motion.

For gait, the data must be oriented so that the subject is walking in the +x direction.

Electromyography (EMG) Data

EMG data are required for MTP.

For lower limb studies, is suggested to collect at least 8 EMG signals per leg for muscles spanning the hip, knee, and ankle [ref]. Any missing EMG signals can be estimated with synergy extrapolation (SynX).

EMG data should be stored in a .mot or .sto file.

EMG data do not need to be processed before using the pipeline. All processing is done in data preprocessing.

Ground Reaction Data

Ground reaction data are required for GCP.

Ground reaction forces and moments should be available during the entire motion. This can be done with:

  • 3 overground force plates
  • 2 force plates on an instrumented treadmill.

Ground reaction data should be stored in a .mot or .sto file.