Vertical Jump Height Estimation Using Low-Sampling IMU in Countermovement Jumps: A Feasible Alternative to Motion...

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Science
• Human Movement Analysis

Background:

• Vertical jump height is crucial for evaluating lower limb function.
• Gold standard systems (motion capture, force platforms) lack ecological validity.
• Inertial measurement units (IMUs) present a potential field-based alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of low-sampling-rate IMUs for countermovement jump height measurement.
• To compare the validity of three IMU-based computational methods against gold standards.
• To determine the reliability of IMU-based jump assessment in ecological settings.

Main Methods:

• 18 healthy participants performed countermovement jumps (double-leg and single-leg).
• Data collected simultaneously via motion capture, force platforms, and an L5-positioned IMU.
• Three IMU computational methods evaluated: numerical double integration, takeoff velocity, and flight time.

Main Results:

• Numerical double integration showed the highest correlation (0.87) and lowest bias (2.5 cm) versus gold standards.
• This method also demonstrated excellent reliability (0.88).
• Takeoff velocity and flight time methods were less accurate for single-leg jumps.

Conclusions:

• Low-sampling-rate IMUs with numerical double integration are a reliable and feasible alternative for field-based countermovement jump assessment.
• This approach warrants further research in diverse populations and jump types.
• IMUs offer a practical solution for accessible lower limb functionality testing.