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Validity and reliability of triaxial accelerometers for inclinometry in posture analysis
G A Hansson1, P Asterland, N G Holmer
1Department of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden. gert-ake.hansson@ymed.lu.se
Medical & Biological Engineering & Computing
|August 29, 2001
Summary
This study introduces a novel inclinometry system using triaxial accelerometers to objectively measure body posture and movement. This advancement enables better understanding of work-related musculoskeletal disorders by quantifying exposure-response relationships.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Occupational Health
- Sensor Technology
Background:
- Objective measurement of posture and movement is crucial for establishing exposure-response relationships in work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
- Current methods may lack the necessary objectivity and quantification for accurate assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an inclinometry system for quantitative measurement of posture and movement.
- To enable accurate assessment of occupational exposures related to musculoskeletal health.
Main Methods:
- Utilized triaxial accelerometers with uniaxial solid-state sensors and a computer program for coordinate transformations.
- Developed a method to transform the transducer's coordinate system to the body segment's using two reference positions.
- Validated system accuracy, reproducibility, and noise levels under quasi-static conditions.
Main Results:
- The inclinometry system demonstrated small angular error (1.3 degrees) and high reproducibility (0.2 degrees).
- Inherent angular noise was minimal (0.04 degrees) and orientation-independent.
- Angular velocities were derivable from inclinometry data under quasi-static conditions, with errors approximated by acceleration magnitude deviation from gravity.
Conclusions:
- The validated inclinometry system provides objective and quantitative measurement of posture and movement under static and quasi-static conditions.
- This technology is applicable to most occupational settings for assessing biomechanical exposures.
- Spherical coordinates can effectively present inclinometry data.
