WITHIN-SUBJECT REPEATABILITY AND BETWEEN-SUBJECT VARIABILITY IN POSTURE DURING CALIBRATION OF AN INERTIAL MEASUREMENT UNIT SYSTEM

Authors

Byron Donaldson, University of PretoriaFollow
Helen Bayne, University of PretoriaFollow
Neil E. Bezodis, Swansea UniversityFollow

Category

Wearable Technology

Document Type

Paper

Abstract

Inertial measurement units (IMUs) are a valuable tool for field based sports research, but within- and between-subject comparisons may be affected by variation in the 0° position established by a standing calibration position. This study assessed within-subject repeatability and between-subject variability in IMU sensor orientations during calibration. Calibration posture was reliable within-subjects given standardised instructions (typical error < 1.9°). Sensor angles relative to a global vertical axis had large between-subject ranges for upper spine (21–35°), lower spine (1–23°) and pelvis (11–35°), while lower limb segment angles had much lower variability (0-6°). Thus, a standing calibration posture is repeatable within participants given suitable instructions, however variability in standing posture may need to be accounted for before making between-subject comparisons, particularly with regard to spine and pelvis segments.

Recommended Citation

Donaldson, Byron; Bayne, Helen; and Bezodis, Neil E. (2021) "WITHIN-SUBJECT REPEATABILITY AND BETWEEN-SUBJECT VARIABILITY IN POSTURE DURING CALIBRATION OF AN INERTIAL MEASUREMENT UNIT SYSTEM," ISBS Proceedings Archive: Vol. 39: Iss. 1, Article 58.
Available at: https://commons.nmu.edu/isbs/vol39/iss1/58