Errors in kinematic parameters of a planar joint: guidelines for optimal experimental design.

Kinematic characteristics of a body joint performing planar motion are precisely defined by the centers and angles of rotation as the joint undergoes its full range of physiological movement. These potentially (clinically) useful non-invasive kinematic parameters are, however, highly sensitive to input coordinate measurement errors and the experimental design. This paper compares results of an experimental study and a statistically based mathematical model of the errors in the centers and angles of rotation. Guidelines are provided to design optimal kinematic experiments so that, for given measurement equipment, the highest possible precision may be achieved in the results.