University of Twente Student Theses
Assessing Single and Dual Sensor IMU Setup for 3D Foot Modelling in Running
Ghiani, Miriam (2025) Assessing Single and Dual Sensor IMU Setup for 3D Foot Modelling in Running.
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| Abstract: | Background: Accurate foot kinematics are essential for gait analysis, injury prevention, and performance assessment. Optical motion capture (OMC) is the gold standard for multi-segment foot modelling, but inertial measurement units (IMUs) offer a portable, low-cost alternative. Most IMU-based approaches use a single foot-mounted sensor, treating the foot as a rigid segment. Objective: This study compares the accuracy of single- and dual-IMU setups for estimating hindfoot–forefoot (HF/FF) joint angles during running, using OMC as a reference. It also evaluates the influence of running speed and foot strike pattern (forefoot striker [FFS] vs. rearfoot striker [RFS]). Methods: Six recreational runners (3 FFS, 3 RFS) ran at 9 and 11 kph on an instrumented treadmill. IMUs and OMC recorded foot segment orientations. The dual-IMU setup measured hindfoot and forefoot orientations directly, while the single-IMU setup estimated forefoot orientation. Joint angles were compared to OMC using RMSE, standard deviation (SD), and correlation. Results: Both setups showed similar error patterns, with the largest differences at toe-off. The dual-IMU setup improved accuracy during push-off, but had higher variability. Speed increased error; strike pattern had minimal effect. Single-IMU setups may suffice for general gait analysis, while dual-IMU setups are preferable for applications requiring detailed forefoot tracking. The choice between setups should therefore be made based on the specific goals of the analysis. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | EEMCS: Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science |
| Subject: | 50 technical science in general |
| Programme: | Biomedical Engineering MSc (66226) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/106160 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
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