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Alternative devices for the quantification of human motion
1Department of Biomedical, Industrial, and Human Factors Engineering, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio 45435, USA. sipp.4@wright.edu
Critical Reviews in Biomedical Engineering
|April 28, 2009
Summary
Accelerometers and gyroscopes offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional force platforms and video tracking for measuring human motion. These sensors demonstrate high accuracy, correlating well with established methods for fall risk assessment.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Motion Analysis
- Wearable Sensor Technology
Background:
- Traditional methods like force platforms and video tracking are effective but costly and bulky.
- Identifying characteristics of individuals with recurring falls is crucial for intervention.
- Postural sway is a key indicator linked to fall risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review alternative methods for quantifying postural motion.
- To assess the validity of accelerometers and gyroscopes compared to established systems.
- To highlight advancements in wearable sensor technology for human movement analysis.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies utilizing accelerometers and gyroscopes for human motion measurement.
- Comparison of data from inertial sensors with video tracking systems.
- Analysis of signal processing techniques, such as high-pass filtering.
Main Results:
- Accelerometers and gyroscopes show high correlation with video tracking methods (up to 0.98).
- Measurements of lower leg motion using these sensors are particularly accurate.
- Signal drift complications have been successfully addressed through filtering techniques.
Conclusions:
- Accelerometers and gyroscopes are viable and acceptable tools for human motion measurement.
- These sensors provide a practical and accurate alternative for assessing fall risk factors.
- Advancements enable reliable quantification of postural control using wearable technology.
