Markerless Pose Estimation for Resistance Training Technique Assessment

Abstract

Resistance training can be a high risk activity, and safe form is essential to avoiding injury. Laboratory-based movement analysis provides quantitive technique assessment, yet is not easily accessible. Markerless pose estimation infers body landmarks from images or video without physical markers and could offer a feasible alternative for technique assessment. We present a pose estimation framework to evaluate resistance-training technique from ordinary video footage. Using BlazePose, anatomical landmarks were extracted from squat, bench press, and deadlift videos and converted into joint-angle trajectories, with the squat serving as the primary case study. Trajectories were assessed against a defined reference repetition using root mean square error (RMSE). Results show that the framework recovers meaningful kinematic patterns for the squat and deadlift, enabling quantitative comparison between repetitions and identification of technique variability within a set. Performance depended strongly on camera orientation and visual occlusion, with non-sagittal views distorting 2D joint-angle estimates. The findings demonstrate that markerless pose estimation can support accessible biomechanical assessment outside laboratory environments.