Article

The aim of the present article was to assess the reliability of strength curves
as determined from tridimensional linear accelerations and angular velocities
measured by a single inertial measurement unit (IMU) fixed on the upper arm
during a shoulder abduction movement performed holding a 1 kg dumbbell in the
hand. Within-subject repeatability of the task was assessed on 45 subjects
performing four trials consisting of one maximal shoulder abduction-adduction
movement. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was computed on the average
movement angular velocity (VEL) and range of movement (ROM) across the four
trials. Within-subject repeatability of torque curves was assessed in terms of
waveform similarities by computing the coefficient of multiple determination
(CMD). Accuracy of the estimated ROM was assessed using an isokinetic
dynamometer. High ICC values of ROM (0.955) and VEL (0.970) indicated a high
within-subject repeatability of the task. A high waveform similarity of torque
curves was also found between trials (CMD = 0.867). Accuracy with respect to
isokinetic dynamometer in estimating ROM was always <1 degree (p = 0.37). This
study showed the effectiveness of using a single wearable IMU for the assessment
of strength curve during isoinertial movements in a way that complies with the
needs of clinicians in an ambulatory setting.

Langue : ANGLAIS