Kinematic Analysis of the Upper Limbs in Stepping over the Hurdle - The Use of IMU-based Motion Capture

摘要

This paper presents an analysis of the kinematic parameters of the upper limbs in stepping over the hurdle. Stepping over the hurdle is a specific exercise practised throughout the year. In this exercise, three key points were analysed in take-off, flight and landing phases. The aim of the study was to use the IMU-based (inertial measurement unit) motion capture system to evaluate the movement of the hurdlers' upper limbs while stepping over the hurdle using both the better leg, and the worse leg. The sequences were obtained using 18 sensors working at a frequency of 120 Hz. The analysis was made using two high-achieving athletes. This paper presents the linear velocities and the trajectory of selected segments of the upper limbs. In most cases the velocities of the segments were higher for the better leg. The analysis shows that during the specific exercise of stepping over the hurdle attention should be paid to the movement of the trail arm in the landing phase.