Validity of an Inertial Measurement Unit System to Assess Lower-limb Kinematics during a Maximal Linear Deceleration

• Main Authors: Alastair R. Jordan (Author), Howie J. Carson (Author), Brett Wilkie Wilkie (Author), Damian J. Harper (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Wydawnictwo Naukowe Uniwersytetu Szczecińskiego, 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 10.18276/cej.2021.1-01; 2300-9705
• Keywords: biomechanics; braking; IMU; stopping; Xsens; Sports; GV557-1198.995; Sports medicine; RC1200-1245; Physiology; QP1-981
• Source: Central European Journal of Sport Sciences and Medicine, Vol 33 (2021)

This study examined the validity of an inertial measurement unit system for measuring lower-limb joint kinematics during linear decelerations. A male team athlete (age 36 years, stature 1.75 m, mass 80.0 kg) performed multiple linear decelerations, following 20 m runs at 50%, 75% and 100% self-perceived effort. Inertial measurement unit sensors were strapped to lower-limb segments and retroreflective markers were adhered to the lower-limbs for 3D optical motion analysis. Ground contact time, foot to centre of mass displacement (foot-COM), peak and minimum angle, mean angular velocity and range of motion at the ankle, knee and hip during the contact phases of each deceleration were determined. Measures were valid if a very large correlation (r ≥ 0.7) and small bias (effect size < 0.6) were evident. Following 50% effort, ground contact time, foot-COM and most hip and knee kinematics were valid. Ground contact time, foot-COM and knee flexion velocity and range of motion were valid following 75% efforts. Ground contact time and knee flexion velocity were valid following 100% effort. Therefore, the inertial measurement unit system tested can be used to assess temporal-spatial parameters during a deceleration regardless of the preceding effort, and hip and knee kinematics following low intensity running.