Description and measurement of anatomical joint motion.

Recently, three-dimensional measurement of human movement has become practically available due to the development of sensor techniques, and the miniaturization and cost reduction of computers. As well as accurate and reliable sensors, powerful and inexpensive computers are indispensable for processing the large quantity of motion data that must be obtained. Measurement and analysis of anatomical joint motion would be useful for the evaluation of diseases, outcome of surgical operations and effects of rehabilitation, as well as for training in sports activities. The present article reviews the mathematical description and measurement of anatomical joint motion.