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 kinematic patterns during running when using differing Cardan angle sequences was quantified. 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 operating at 200 Hz. The adjusted coefficient of multiple correlation was used to compare graphical waveforms whilst the maximum root mean square of the differences was used to express the magnitude of any discrepancy in absolute units. Minimal qualitative differences were found between the various sequences. Quantitative differences between each of the Cardan angle sequences were not found to exceed 7.0° and 2.8° for the lumbar spine and pelvic rotations respectively. It was concluded that different Cardan angle sequences were not found to substantially affect typical 3D lumbo-pelvic angular kinematic patterns during running.