Vertical Jump Height Estimation Algorithm Based on Takeoff and Landing Identification Via Foot-Worn Inertial Sensing

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Science
• Wearable Technology

Background:

• Vertical jump height is a key metric for assessing physical capabilities.
• Traditional measurement methods require specialized equipment and controlled environments.
• Existing wearable sensors can be uncomfortable and inconvenient.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel algorithm for estimating vertical jump height using foot-worn inertial sensors.
• To compare the accuracy and reliability of inertial sensor-based jump height estimation with gold-standard methods.
• To determine optimal sensor placement (toe vs. heel) for minimizing bias.

Main Methods:

• Twenty healthy subjects performed countermovement jumps.
• Inertial sensors were placed on the toe and heel of each foot.
• Jump height was measured using both inertial sensors and optical marker-based motion capture.
• Data were analyzed for accuracy, reliability, and bias.

Main Results:

• The algorithm demonstrated excellent reliability for jump height estimation at both toe (ICC=0.98) and heel (ICC=0.97) placements.
• Average errors were -2.2±2.1 cm for toe and -0.4±3.8 cm for heel.
• The toe placement showed no significant bias, while the heel placement exhibited proportional and fixed biases.

Conclusions:

• Foot-worn inertial sensors with the novel algorithm can reliably estimate vertical jump height outside laboratory settings.
• Toe placement of inertial sensors is preferable to heel placement due to reduced bias.
• This technology enhances accessibility for assessing motor performance.