The importance of inertial measurement unit placement in assessing upper limb motion

Motion analysis using inertial measurement units (IMU) has emerged as an alternative to optical motion capture. However, the validity and reliability of upper limb measurements varies significantly between studies. The objective this study was determine how sensor placement affects kinematic output in assessment arm, shoulder, scapula. IMUs were placed proximally/distally on arms, medially/laterally scapula, a group eleven healthy participants, while performing nine different tasks. Linear regressions mixed models analysed these placements affected estimated joint by establishing linear relationship sensors same body segment. measured considerably, most prominent affect seen for scapula during flexion abduction, forearm pronation/supination. slope regression lines 2.5 flexion, 2.7 1.8 results suggest that should be dorsal side forearm, at distal end; arm laterally, part arm; cranially, along spine