Potential of IMU-Based Systems in Measuring Single Rapid Movement Variables in Females with Different Training Backgrounds and Specialization

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to determine the discriminative potential of the IMU-based system for the measurement of rapid hand movement properties, i.e., relevant kinematic variables in relation to different groups of participants. The measurement of the kinematics of the rapid hand movement was performed using a standard hand tapping test. The sample in this research included a total of 70 female participants and was divided into 3 subsamples. The discriminant analysis has identified two functions, DF₁ and DF₂, that explain 91.1 and 8.1% of the variance, respectively. The differences between the examined subsamples originate from the variables grouped in DF₁, which were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.000). In relation to this function, the national volleyball team centroid position was shifted with -1.108 and -1.968 standard deviation values from the control group and youth volleyball team, respectively. The difference between control and Voll_Youth groups was -0.860 standard deviation value. The factors with the greatest discriminative potential among the groups represent the temporal characteristics of the rapid hand movement, i.e., the time elapsed between the onset of the movement and the first and second tap, as defined by the variables t ₁ and t ₂, respectively. The established findings clearly indicate that IMU sensors are practically applicable in relation to the sensitive measurement of rapid arm movement capability of female athletes.

Figure 1

(a) The initial position of the subject's hand with the IMU sensor attached to the glove. (b) A custom-made wireless sensor device (uncovered).

Figure 2

Absolute acceleration (abs) and acceleration in the Y- (dominant) axis with the time frame of relevant events.

Figure 3

The graphical representation of the centroid position of the examined subsamples.