What is 3D motion capture used for?

A clinician places small markers or uses marker-free cameras while you perform tasks such as walking, squatting, reaching, or stepping. Software builds a moving model and can show timing, direction, symmetry, and joint angles. The recording describes movement; it does not prove that one movement caused pain. Results are interpreted alongside symptoms, strength, balance, joint examination, footwear, and goals. A [Biomechanical Assessment](/treatments/diagnostics-and-imaging/biomechanical-assessment/) may include this type of information.

Wear clothes that allow the body area being assessed to move freely and bring the shoes used for the activity that concerns you. Follow the clinician’s instructions for each task and mention pain before it changes your technique. The findings may help select exercises, adjust technique, monitor movement over time, or decide whether a focused [Gait Analysis](/treatments/diagnostics-and-imaging/gait-analysis/) is useful. A recording is most helpful when it answers a specific clinical question rather than being viewed in isolation.

Seek urgent assessment for sudden inability to walk, new severe weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin, or a major injury with deformity. Contact a clinician promptly if pain, swelling, repeated falls, or weakness is worsening. Motion capture can analyse movement, but urgent symptoms require a direct medical examination.

Ask: Which movement are you evaluating? What finding would change my treatment? Could pain be altering the recording? How will progress be measured, and do I need a separate walking or strength assessment?