(cache)Comparison of Real-Time Marker-Less and Optoelectronic 3D Human Pose Estimation Systems for Cyclist Pose Analysis | IEEE Conference Publication | IEEE Xplore

Comparison of Real-Time Marker-Less and Optoelectronic 3D Human Pose Estimation Systems for Cyclist Pose Analysis


Abstract:

Accurate and dynamic assessment of human posture during sports activities, such as cycling, can prove useful in optimizing setup, improving performance and reducing the r...Show More

Abstract:

Accurate and dynamic assessment of human posture during sports activities, such as cycling, can prove useful in optimizing setup, improving performance and reducing the risk of injury. This study presents a metrological evaluation of a marker-less, multi-camera 3D human pose estimation system for cyclist posture analysis, using an optoelectronic motion capture system (OptiTrack) as ground truth. The proposed marker-less system integrates 2D keypoint detections with a Weighted Triangulation method for 3D reconstruction. The experimental protocol involved synchronized acquisition with seven monochrome cameras and OptiTrack reference data during controlled indoor cycling trials. The proposed method is evaluated in terms of Mean Per Joint Position Error, Mean Per Single Joint Position Error, Mean Absolute Joint Angle Error and Pearson Correlation Coefficient. The system achieved an overall average joint position error of 18.3 mm, while joint angle estimation errors ranged from 3.0° to 11.4°, depending on the specific joint and side of the body. The average processing time of 15 ms per frame confirms the suitability of the marker-less system for real-time applications.
Date of Conference: 22-24 October 2025
Date Added to IEEE Xplore: 23 January 2026
ISBN Information:
Conference Location: Ancona, Italy

I. Introduction

In recent years, the analysis of human movement dynamics has gained increasing prominence across multiple domains, including sports medicine, rehabilitation, ergonomics, and the design of biomechanical devices [1]–[3]. In fact, accurate measurement of human posture plays a crucial role in enhancing athletic performance, supporting clinical diagnosis, and preventing injuries [4], [5]. In biomechanics and sports engineering, 3D human pose analysis enables the reconstruction of joint geometry and provides information on body kinematics during various activities, such as walking, running, and cycling [6]. Among these, cycling presents unique challenges, as it involves not only complex movements but also continuous human-machine interaction, which introduces additional sources of variability and uncertainty in the estimation of 3D joint positions. Marker-based motion capture techniques, such as optoelectronic systems and inertial measurement units (IMUs) [7], are commonly employed for 3D Human Pose Estimation (HPE) and are considered as the standard in terms of metrological performance. Nevertheless, these systems present significant practical limitations. They are primarily intended for use in laboratory settings and are difficult to implement in real-world or outdoor environments. Furthermore, the application of external markers or sensors may constrain the athlete's natural movements or be occluded by equipment such as the bicycle. Furthermore, the accuracy of such systems is highly sensitive to marker placement, which can introduce systematic measurement errors. In addition, external sensors or markers may shift during the course of testing due to factors such as perspiration and compromise the consistency and accuracy of the recorded measurements [8].

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