Validation of inertial measurement unit for knee joint kinematics during free living walking

Background: Assessment of gait/walking, especially kinematics of the lower limb, may allow subtle problems to be detected and treated within clinics (Favre et al. 2008). Traditionally, this has been done using costly devices such as motion systems or electronic goniometers. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) provide cost-effective opportunities for digitising gait with additional advantages e.g., use during free-living. Digitally constructed lower limb segments can be useful by providing insightful habitual data about joint movements when investigating gait and falls after knee replacements.

Aim:To investigate IMU validity for knee flexion angle using an electronic goniometer.