Mechanical measures

Project objectives

Movement analysis laboratories use various measurement systems for mechanical quantities related to the musculoskeletal system for diagnosis and assessment of a subject's functional recovery. The project proposes the development of quality standards for mechanical measurements in these laboratories. The literature highlights the problem of validating the results of the same subject examined by multiple laboratories: to ensure valid data for diagnosis, the performance verification of measurement systems must be approached with a unified procedure capable of quantifying the values ​​and uncertainty of kinematic and dynamic mechanical quantities in a repeatable and reproducible manner. The project's goals are therefore to:

1. develop a procedure for calibration verification and uncertainty determination of optoelectronic systems for both motion analysis and ventilatory mechanics

2. develop a procedure for calibration verification and uncertainty determination of force platforms

3. to propose a unified procedure for obtaining quality standards for mechanical measurements performed in motion analysis laboratories.

This research proposes the development of an integrated methodology, based on specifically designed devices and calibration procedures that ensure repeatability and reproducibility, which can be effectively used in the measurements of mechanical, kinematic, and dynamic quantities conducted in dedicated laboratories. Both these devices and the calibration procedures enable repeatability and reproducibility across laboratories, thus allowing the differentiation of the contribution strictly related to the instrumentation from that inherent to the object being measured.

Another scientific objective is the use of industrial metrology concepts in motion analysis laboratories, such as the repeatability and reproducibility of force and displacement measurements. Standardizing the periodic evaluation process for motion analysis instruments provides guidance on the frequency of calibration required to ensure consistent performance. This significantly improves the quality of the data made available by these systems because, by reducing instrumental errors to negligible levels compared to the measurement purposes, it significantly improves the reliability of diagnoses and the assessment of functional recovery. Assessing the significance and validity of data is essential for objectively conducting both patient follow-up and scientific studies.

Start and end date

2013 - 2017

Project Manager

Prof. Sergio Silvestri - Confirmed Associate Professor

Coordinating institution of the project

University of Rome "La Sapienza"

Other Institutions involved

• Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma

• University of Rome Three

Funding source(s).

• Ministry of Education, University and Research

• Scientific Research Program of Significant National Interest - Call for Proposals 2012