Joint Angle Measurement Using Strategically Placed Accelerometers and Gyroscope

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vishesh Vikas ◽  
Carl D. Crane

Optical and magnetic encoders are widely used to measure joint angles. These sensors are required to be installed at the axes of rotation (joint centers). However, microelectromechanical system (MEMS) accelerometer and gyroscope-based joint angle measurement sensors possess the advantage of being flexible with regard to the point of installation. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) are capable of providing orientation and are also used for joint angle estimation. They conventionally fuse gyroscope and accelerometer data using Kalman filter-like algorithm to estimate the joint angles. This research presents a novel approach of measuring joint parameters—joint angles, angular velocities, and accelerations, of two links joined by revolute or universal joint. The gravity-invariant vestibular dynamic inclinometer (VDI) and planar VDI (pVDI) are used on each link to measure the joint parameters of links joined by revolute and universal joints, respectively. The VDI consists of two dual-axis accelerometers and an uniaxial gyroscope, while the pVDI consists of four strategically placed dual-axis accelerometers and a triaxial gyroscope. The measurements of joint parameters using the presented algorithms are independent of integration errors/drift, do not require knowledge of robot dynamics, and are computationally less burdensome.

Author(s):  
Vishesh Vikas ◽  
Carl D. Crane

Knowledge of joint angles, angular velocities is essential for control of link mechanisms and robots. The estimation of joint angles and angular velocity is performed using combination of inertial sensors (accelerometers and gyroscopes) which are contactless and flexible at point of application. Different estimation techniques are used to fuse data from different inertial sensors. Bio-inspired sensors using symmetrically placed multiple inertial sensors are capable of instantaneously measuring joint parameters (joint angle, angular velocities and angular acceleration) without use of any estimation techniques. Calibration of inertial sensors is easier and more reliable for accelerometers as compared to gyroscopes. The research presents gyroscope-less, multiple accelerometer and magnetometer based sensors capable of measuring (not estimating) joint parameters. The contribution of the improved sensor are four-fold. Firstly, the inertial sensors are devoid of symmetry constraint unlike the previously researched bio-inspired sensors. However, the accelerometer are non-coplanarly placed. Secondly, the accelerometer-magnetometer combination sensor allows for calculation of a unique rotation matrix between two link joined by any kind of joint. Thirdly, the sensors are easier to calibrate as they consist only of accelerometers. Finally, the sensors allow for calculation of angular velocity and angular acceleration without use of gyroscopes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 90 (4) ◽  
pp. 399-406
Author(s):  
Karol Ševčík ◽  
Marian Hluchý ◽  
Marieta Ševčíková ◽  
Valent Ledecký

This study was conducted to compare angles physically set on the stifle joints of cadaveric limbs of dogs with the results by four different radiographic methods for stifle angle measurement. Thirteen pelvic limbs from various large breeds and skeletally-mature dogs were used. The stifles were fixed at four angles: 125°, 130°, 135° and 140°. Altogether 52 radiographs were done. Each stifle angle set on the cadaver limbs was radiographically measured using four sets of landmarks (the goniometric, long axis, eminence and kinematic methods). We found similarity between angles physically set on cadaver limbs and radiographically measured using the long axis method (P > 0.05). The goniometric method showed similarity in group of limbs with the stifle fixed at 140° (P > 0.05), and other measurements differed significantly (P < 0.05). Eminence and kinematic method measurements were different compared to the angle of fixation of the stifle on the cadaver (P < 0.05) but similar compared to each other (P > 0.05). The method of stifle joint angle measurement should be considered when comparing similar studies, and also in pre-operative measurements for some tibial osteotomies aimed at stabilizing the joint after cranial cruciate ligament rupture.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riasat Islam ◽  
Mohamed Bennasar ◽  
Kevin Nicholas ◽  
Kate Button ◽  
Simon Holland ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Movement analysis in a clinical setting is frequently restricted to observational methods to inform clinical decision making, which has limited accuracy. Fixed-site, optical, expensive movement analysis laboratories provide <i>gold standard</i> kinematic measurements; however, they are rarely accessed for routine clinical use. Wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs) have been demonstrated as comparable, inexpensive, and portable movement analysis toolkits. MoJoXlab has therefore been developed to work with generic wearable IMUs. However, before using MoJoXlab in clinical practice, there is a need to establish its validity in participants with and without knee conditions across a range of tasks with varying complexity. OBJECTIVE This paper aimed to present the validation of MoJoXlab software for using generic wearable IMUs for calculating hip, knee, and ankle joint angle measurements in the sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes for walking, squatting, and jumping in healthy participants and those with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS Movement data were collected from 27 healthy participants and 20 participants with ACL reconstruction. In each case, the participants wore seven MTw2 IMUs (Xsens Technologies) to monitor their movement in walking, jumping, and squatting tasks. The hip, knee, and ankle joint angles were calculated in the sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes using two different software packages: Xsens’ validated proprietary MVN Analyze and MoJoXlab. The results were validated by comparing the generated waveforms, cross-correlation (CC), and normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) values. RESULTS Across all joints and activities, for data of both healthy and ACL reconstruction participants, the CC and NRMSE values for the sagittal plane are 0.99 (SD 0.01) and 0.042 (SD 0.025); 0.88 (SD 0.048) and 0.18 (SD 0.078) for the frontal plane; and 0.85 (SD 0.027) and 0.23 (SD 0.065) for the transverse plane (hip and knee joints only). On comparing the results from the two different software systems, the sagittal plane was very highly correlated, with frontal and transverse planes showing strong correlation. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that nonproprietary software such as MoJoXlab can accurately calculate joint angles for movement analysis applications comparable with proprietary software for walking, squatting, and jumping in healthy individuals and those following ACL reconstruction. MoJoXlab can be used with generic wearable IMUs that can provide clinicians accurate objective data when assessing patients’ movement, even when changes are too small to be observed visually. The availability of easy-to-setup, nonproprietary software for calibration, data collection, and joint angle calculation has the potential to increase the adoption of wearable IMU sensors in clinical practice, as well as in free living conditions, and may provide wider access to accurate, objective assessment of patients’ progress over time.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Congo Tak-Shing Ching ◽  
Su-Yu Liao ◽  
Teng-Yun Cheng ◽  
Chih-Hsiu Cheng ◽  
Tai-Ping Sun ◽  
...  

Background. The measurement of the functional range of motion (FROM) of lower limb joints is an essential parameter for gait analysis especially in evaluating rehabilitation programs.Aim. To develop a simple, reliable, and affordable mechanical goniometer (MGR) for gait analysis, with six-degree freedom to dynamically assess lower limb joint angles.Design. Randomized control trials, in which a new MGR was developed for the measurements of FROM of lower limb joints.Setting. Reliability of the designed MGR was evaluated and validated by a motion analysis system (MAS).Population. Thirty healthy subjects participated in this study.Methods. Reliability and validity of the new MGR were tested by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Bland-Altman plots, and linear correlation analysis.Results. The MGR has good inter- and intrarater reliability and validity withICC≥0.93(for both). Moreover, measurements made by MGR and MAS were comparable and repeatable with each other, as confirmed by Bland-Altman plots. Furthermore, a very high degree of linear correlation (R≥0.92for all joint angle measurements) was found between the lower limb joint angles measured by MGR and MAS.Conclusion. A simple, reliable, and affordable MGR has been designed and developed to aid clinical assessment and treatment evaluation of gait disorders.


10.2196/17872 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. e17872
Author(s):  
Riasat Islam ◽  
Mohamed Bennasar ◽  
Kevin Nicholas ◽  
Kate Button ◽  
Simon Holland ◽  
...  

Background Movement analysis in a clinical setting is frequently restricted to observational methods to inform clinical decision making, which has limited accuracy. Fixed-site, optical, expensive movement analysis laboratories provide gold standard kinematic measurements; however, they are rarely accessed for routine clinical use. Wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs) have been demonstrated as comparable, inexpensive, and portable movement analysis toolkits. MoJoXlab has therefore been developed to work with generic wearable IMUs. However, before using MoJoXlab in clinical practice, there is a need to establish its validity in participants with and without knee conditions across a range of tasks with varying complexity. Objective This paper aimed to present the validation of MoJoXlab software for using generic wearable IMUs for calculating hip, knee, and ankle joint angle measurements in the sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes for walking, squatting, and jumping in healthy participants and those with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Methods Movement data were collected from 27 healthy participants and 20 participants with ACL reconstruction. In each case, the participants wore seven MTw2 IMUs (Xsens Technologies) to monitor their movement in walking, jumping, and squatting tasks. The hip, knee, and ankle joint angles were calculated in the sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes using two different software packages: Xsens’ validated proprietary MVN Analyze and MoJoXlab. The results were validated by comparing the generated waveforms, cross-correlation (CC), and normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) values. Results Across all joints and activities, for data of both healthy and ACL reconstruction participants, the CC and NRMSE values for the sagittal plane are 0.99 (SD 0.01) and 0.042 (SD 0.025); 0.88 (SD 0.048) and 0.18 (SD 0.078) for the frontal plane; and 0.85 (SD 0.027) and 0.23 (SD 0.065) for the transverse plane (hip and knee joints only). On comparing the results from the two different software systems, the sagittal plane was very highly correlated, with frontal and transverse planes showing strong correlation. Conclusions This study demonstrates that nonproprietary software such as MoJoXlab can accurately calculate joint angles for movement analysis applications comparable with proprietary software for walking, squatting, and jumping in healthy individuals and those following ACL reconstruction. MoJoXlab can be used with generic wearable IMUs that can provide clinicians accurate objective data when assessing patients’ movement, even when changes are too small to be observed visually. The availability of easy-to-setup, nonproprietary software for calibration, data collection, and joint angle calculation has the potential to increase the adoption of wearable IMU sensors in clinical practice, as well as in free living conditions, and may provide wider access to accurate, objective assessment of patients’ progress over time.


2012 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 319-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felipe Pivetta Carpes ◽  
Jeam Marcel Geremia ◽  
Ana Paula Barcellos Karolczak ◽  
Fernando Diefenthaeler ◽  
Marco Aurélio Vaz

Extensively unilateral recruitment for daily activities may determine performance asymmetries in favor of the preferred side eliciting functional adaptation. Our study evaluated asymmetries in elbow torque output between preferred and non-preferred limbs. Eighteen subjects performed maximal elbow flexor and extensor isometric contractions at five different elbow joint angles (0º, 30º, 60º, 90º, 120º) and five different angular velocities (60, 120, 180, 240, 300º.s-1) on an isokinetic dynamometer. Higher flexor torque in favor of preferred arm was observed at 90º of flexion (p<0.05), which also corresponded to the highest torque produced (p<0.05). The fact that joint angle influenced torque asymmetries, whereas angular velocity did not, suggest that the observed asymmetry is likely related to preferential recruitment of elbow flexors at a 90º joint angle for daily tasks requiring high levels of force production. Muscle functional adaptation to frequent stimuli at this joint angle in healthy subjects may explain these results.


2021 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Alves-Pimenta Sofia ◽  
Colaço Bruno ◽  
Ginja Mário

Abstract The mediolateral flexed, extended, or neutral elbow radiographic views are commonly used in clinical practice. However, there is currently no standardized methodology to accurately measure the elbow joint angle in mediolateral images that include only the elbow joint and surrounding tissues. The main aim of this work is to compare elbow joint angles obtained from mediolateral radiographs that include the complete arm and forearm of the dog, with angles measured in radiographs including only the elbow. Ninety mediolateral views of elbow joints were obtained from 50 canine thoracic limbs, with 39 joints <90º, 30 ≥90 - ≤120º and 21 >120º. Radiographs were centered on the elbow joint and include the shoulder and carpal joints. For each complete forelimb radiographic image, the elbow angle was measured using the methodology described in previous studies. Then, the digital images were cut to obtain only the joint and surrounding tissues, establishing a new set of anatomical landmarks to measure the joint angles: the lateral humeral epicondyle was used as an angular point, with the linking points being the nutritional orifice of the radius at the antebrachial interosseous space and the intersection point of the lateral supracondylar crest with the cranial humeral endosteum. There was a good agreement observed between the two elbow angle measurement methodologies. The intraclass correlation coefficient was statistically significant, with the lower limits of the 95% confidence interval (CI) at >0.75, and with zero being included in the standard error of the mean 95% confidence interval in the Bland-Altman test. This elbow angle measurement methodology based on anatomic landmarks next to the elbow joint is accurate and may be used for clinical and research purposes.


Author(s):  
Vishesh Vikas ◽  
Carl D. Crane

A novel approach of dynamic, non-contact measurement of joint parameters using the planar Vestibular Dynamic Inclinometer (pVDI) is proposed in this paper. The gravity-invariant planar Vestibular Dynamic Inclinometer (pVDI) is a non-contact sensor that consists of symmetrically placed four dual-axis accelerometers and one tri-axial gyroscope. The deployment of the non-contact sensor is strategic and need not be at the joints. The paper proposes measurement of joint parameters — base angle, joint angle, angular velocity and angular acceleration, that are independent of integration errors/drift.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
AYUKO SAITO ◽  
YUTAKA TANZAWA ◽  
SATORU KIZAWA

Abstract Compact and lightweight nine-axis motion sensors have come to be used for motion analysis in a variety of fields such as medical care, welfare, and sports. Nine-axis motion sensors include a three-axis gyroscope, a three-axis accelerometer, and a three-axis magnetometer and can estimate joint angles using the gyroscope outputs. However, the bias of the gyroscope is often unstable depending on the measurement environment and the accuracy of the gyroscope itself, causing error to accumulate in the angle obtained by integrating the gyroscope output. Although several sensor fusions have been proposed for pose estimation, such as using an accelerometer and a magnetometer, sequentially estimating and correcting the bias of the gyroscope are desirable for more accurate pose estimation. In addition, considering accelerations other than the acceleration due to gravity is important for a sensor fusion method that utilizes the accelerometer to correct the gyroscope output. Therefore, in this study, an extended Kalman filter algorithm was developed to sequentially correct both the gyroscope bias and the centrifugal and tangential acceleration of an accelerometer. The gait measurement results indicate that the proposed method successfully suppresses drift in the estimated knee joint angle over the entire measurement time of knee angle measurement during gait. The knee joint angles estimated using the proposed method were generally consistent with results obtained from an optical 3D motion analysis system. The proposed method is expected to be useful for estimating motion in medical care and welfare applications.


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