The use of inertial sensors system for human motion analysis

Abstract

Objective:The aim of this article is to review systematically and appraise critically the literature surrounding the research, comparing inertial sensors with any kind of gold standard; this gold standard has to be a tool for measuring human movement (e.g. electrogoniometry, optoelectronic systems, electromagnetic systems, etc.).Method:A MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDRo and SCOPUS search of published English language articles was conducted, which focused on articles that compared inertial sensors to any kind of gold standard (e.g. electrogoniometry, optoelectronic systems, electromagnetic systems, etc.), from 2000 to 2010. Two independent reviewers completed the study selection, quality appraisal and data extraction. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Español tool was used to assess study quality, and a reliability comparison between the systems was made.Results:Fourteen out of 242 articles were reviewed, which displayed a similar threat to validity, relating to sample selection and operator blinding. Other study limitations are discussed. A comparison between the different systems showed good agreement across a range of tasks and anatomical regions.Conclusions:This review concludes that inertial sensors can offer an accurate and reliable method to study human motion, but the degree of accuracy and reliability is site and task specific.

Validity and Reliability of an Inertial Measurement Unit-Based 3D Angular Measurement of Shoulder Joint Motion

“…21 Usually, measurement errors of between 2° to 5° are also likely to be regarded as reasonable. 22 However, this other study insisted that the degree of reliability depended on location and was task specific, although the IMU sensors were considered a reliable method. 22 Therefore, using the MyoMotion system to measure the shoulder joint angle is recommended with careful consideration and supervision.…”

Motion tracking by sensors for real-time human skeleton animation

“…Inertial sensors can offer an accurate and reliable method to study human motion, however the degree of accuracy and reliability is site and task specific [9].Most inertial systems use gyroscopes to measure rotational rates. Thus, inertial tracking system has attracted many interests [9][10][11].…”

Motor Task Performance under Visual and Auditory Feedback Post Stroke: A Randomised Crossover Trial

“…Despite the high precision [18][19][20], IMUs have only been used so far to quantify and characterize movement patterns and effects of interventions in post-stroke patients [19][20][21], with only anecdotal evidence of their use in rehabilitation tools [22][23][24].…”