Accuracy of metrics measured with IMU sensors during a reach-to-point movement in healthy adults

After a Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA), intensive arm training can improve arm function. Using Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), movement quality and compensatory movements can be captured. In this study, the accuracy of a system of nine IMUs is investigated during a reach-to-point movement in healthy adults. Three subjects reached to a cylindrical object and touched it briefly using three stroke compensation movements: trunk flexion, shoulder abduction and shoulder elevation. The results are evaluated by comparison with Vicon, an optical motion capture system. This study indicates that IMU based human motion analysis cannot provide accurate kinematic assessment of the of shoulder abduction, trunk flexion and reaching distance.