Three-dimensional kinematic analysis of active cervical spine motion by using a multifaceted marker device

Assessing cervical range of motion (CROM) is an important part of the clinical evaluation of patients with conditions such as whiplash syndrome. This study aimed to develop a convenient and accurate system involving multifaceted marker device (MMD)-based assessment of 3-dimensional (3D) dynamic coupled CROM and joint angular velocity. We used an infrared optical tracking system and our newly developed MMD that solved problems such as marker shielding and reflection angle associated with the optical tracking devices and enabled sequential and accurate analysis of the 3D dynamic movement of the polyaxial joint and other structurally complicated joints. The study included 30 asymptomatic young male volunteers (age, 22–27 years). The MMD consisted of 5 surfaces and 5 markers and was attached to the participant's forehead. We measured active CROM (axial rotation, flexion/extension, and lateral bending) and joint angular velocity by the MMD. The MMD was easy to use, safe for patients and operators, could be constructed economically, and generated accurate data such as dynamic coupled CROM and angular velocity.