An Open-Source Wearable System for Real-Time Human Biomechanical Analysis

Abstract

The advancement of inertial measurement unit (IMU) technology has opened new opportunities for motion analysis, yet its widespread adoption in clinical practice remains constrained by the high costs of proprietary systems, lengthy setup procedures, and the need for specialized expertise. To address these challenges, we present a multi-IMU system designed with streamlined calibration, efficient data processing, and a focus on accessibility for patient-facing applications. Although initially developed for human gait analysis, the modular design of this system enables adaptability across diverse motion tracking scenarios. This work outlines the system’s technical framework, including protocols for data acquisition, derivation of gait variables, and considerations for user-friendly software deployment. We further illustrate its utility by measuring lower-limb gait kinematics in near-real time and providing stride-to-stride biofeedback using a single sensor. These initial results underscore the potential of this system for both laboratory-based gait assessment and rehabilitation interventions in clinical environments and future work will assess validation against traditional optical motion capture methods.