Optimization of the Static Posture Evaluation Process Through Digital Processing of Photographic Images

Traditional methods of posture evaluation carried out by physical therapists manually measure or test the alignments of body segments, investing a long time for its development and adding an error percentage related to the level of professional expertise. The present study uses a system of two dimensions photogrammetry to investigate its applicability on measurement of posture parameters and the variation of the measurements using different photographic cameras locate at different distances from the subject. The marker automatic measurement system (LAM) filters and segments body markers on photographic images. Data were collected using a semi-professional, a mid-range cellphone and a sports camera. Tests were recorded by placing the camera at 2.50, 2.00 and 1.80 meters from the subject, and the lens at a height of 1.10, 1.00 and 0.97 meters with an illuminance of 29.92 lux. Subsequently, 30 volunteers participated in the postural tests. The Measurements were made on frontal, anterior and posterior planes as well as sagittal plane. The maximum absolute error on the measuring of distances was 0.64 cm. On angles related to the horizontal was 0.70 degrees and for angles concerning the vertical was 0.76 degrees.Clinical Relevance - By utilizing LAM system all three views were evaluated in less than a minute without counting the time for putting on the markers. The results obtained suggest that the system presents trustworthy results, which reduce considerably the time of carrying out posture evaluations where results are measurable, repeatable and away from the evaluator's subjectivity.