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Trunk inclination estimate during the sprint start using an inertial measurement unit: a validation study
Elena Bergamini1, Pélagie Guillon, Valentina Camomilla
1Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico," Rome, Italy, and with the Laboratoire de Biomecanique, Arts et Metiers Paris Tech, l'UFR Sante, Medecine, Biologie Humaine, Paris, France.
This study validates using a trunk-mounted inertial measurement unit (IMU) to accurately measure trunk movement during sprint starts. This technology offers a promising tool for assessing sprint performance in real-world conditions.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Human Movement Analysis
Background:
- Sprint start performance is critical for race outcomes.
- Trunk kinematics during the transition from crouch to upright are key performance factors.
- Objective measurement of trunk movement is needed for accurate performance assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate the use of a trunk-mounted inertial measurement unit (IMU).
- To assess the IMU's accuracy in estimating trunk inclination and angular velocity in the sagittal plane during sprint starts.
- To determine the feasibility of using IMUs for in-field sprint start performance analysis.
Main Methods:
- Five sprinters performed in-laboratory sprint starts.
- Trunk-mounted IMUs recorded acceleration and angular velocity.
- Data was processed using an adaptive Kalman filter.
- IMU estimates were validated against stereophotogrammetric measurements.
Main Results:
- Bland-Altman analysis showed good agreement between IMU and reference measurements.
- Curve similarity analysis confirmed high accuracy (correlation coefficient > 0.99, RMSE < 7 deg).
- The IMU accurately estimated trunk inclination and angular velocity.
Conclusions:
- Trunk-mounted IMUs provide accurate estimations of trunk kinematics during sprint starts.
- This technology shows promise for reliable in-field sprint start performance assessment.
- IMUs offer a viable, non-invasive method for analyzing critical sprint start biomechanics.
