Validation of inertial sensor use for measurement of thorax-pelvis separation angle in the discus throw: a work in progress

For an athlete to be able to improve performance it is vital to have accurate information about key technique variables. Providing coaches with immediate access to this vital information enables more effective feedback processes. Recently there has been a large focus on the development of devices that accurately measure athletic performance and allow immediate feedback within the training and competition environment. One such device being used increasingly to provide 'in field' motion analysis are inertial measurement units (IMUs).\ud \ud IMUs typically contain gyroscopes and accelerometers that measure angular velocities and linear accelerations respectively. Systems that consist of multiple IMUs can also be used to measure angles between segments and relative positions of segements.\ud \ud The purpose of this study is to assess the validity of segment data attained from an IMU system for a throwing activity. Specifically, discus throw thorax-pelvis separation (TPS) angle data attained from a system consisting of three IMUs will be compared with a reference motion capture system. Discus throw was chosen as the sporting activity as previous work has highlighted the importance of TPS angle within the discus throw.\u