Studying upper-limb kinematics using inertial sensors: a cross-sectional study
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Published on: March 12, 2021
Cristina Roldán-Jiménez1, Antonio I Cuesta-Vargas2,3
1Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Instituto de Investigacion de Biomedicina de Malaga (IBIMA), Universidad de Malaga, Av/Arquitecto Peñalosa s/n (Teatinos Campus Expansion), 29009, Málaga, Spain. cristina.roldan005@gmail.com.
Background:
In recent years, there has been a great interest in analyzing upper-limb kinematics in order to investigate scapulohumeral rhythm, as its alteration has been associated with shoulder joint complex injuries. The use of inertial sensors is presented as a convenient and portable analysis method for studying kinematics in terms of angular mobility and linear acceleration. The aim of this study was to analyze upper-limbs kinematics in the three anatomical axes, obtained by inertial sensors.
Results:
Descriptive graphics of analytical tasks performed were obtained. The main difference in mobility between the scapula and humerus was found in pitch axis for abduction ([Formula: see text] = 107.6°, SD = 9.3°) and flexion ([Formula: see text] = 113.1°, SD = 9.3°).
Conclusion:
The use of inertial sensors for human kinematics analysis is favorable. Although this study identified movement patterns, and supports inertial sensors as a useful device to analyze upper-limb kinematics, further studies with subjects with shoulder pathology to establish differences in movement patterns and scapulohumeral rhythm between healthy and pathological shoulders should be carried out.
