Emerging trends of body-mounted sensors in sports and human gait analysis

Abstract

Until recently, human movement analysis has been accomplished using the optical motion capture system and magnetic tracking system. Even though they are able to capture human movement in three-dimensional space, they are expensive and only allow movement in a laboratory environment. Advances in MEMS technologies enable the use of body-mounted sensors for sports and human gait analysis purposes. These sensors are small, light, low cost and low power consumption. One of the most important features is their capability in capturing human motion outside laboratory environment. This paper will review the current technologies of human motion analysis and the emerging trends of body mounted sensors in sports and human gait analysis. © 2008 Springer-Verlag.