2013 & 2014 UNLV 3D XMA Dynamics Short Courses

This short course will focus on marker-based 3D X-ray motion analysis (3D-XMA) and its integration with force data for studying the dynamics of animal movement. Participants will collect and analyze their own data from movements of terrestrial crabs. These hands-on experiments will include radiopaque marker placement and 3D laser scanning, as well as in vivo 3D-XMA with simultaneous 3D force platform measurements.

Subsequent analyses will include undistortion/calibration of X-ray images, tracking of radiopaque markers, and calculation of 3D marker coordinates using the X-ray Project Matlab scripts. 3D models of segments bearing markers will be created using Rapidworks/Solidworks for determination of inertial properties and for use in XROMM animations of 3D motion. Combining 3D-XMA and force measurements with inertial properties, we will compute segment and/or joint dynamics using data collected from our crabs at the beginning of the course.

The final day of this short course may include 3D-XMA proof-of-concept trials from animals of interest to each participant. Arrangements should be made in advance so that specimens can be acquired.

This course is funded by an NSF Research Coordination Networks (RCN) grant. The RCN grant will cover the cost of housing and meals for all participants (both US citizens and non-US citizens). Travel subsidies may be available to US citizens and permanent residents to offset the cost of travel. Unfortunately, travel subsidies cannot be made to non-US citizens.

The courses are now past. Thanks to everyone that participated in the UNLV short courses!