The Use of IMU-based Human Motion Capture to Assess Kinematic Parameters of Specific Exercises Performed by 400 M Hurdlers

The 400 m hurdles is a difficult track and field event, in which the hurdle clearing technique is of crucial importance. In this work, we analyse hurdle clearance while performing two specific exercises: marching and running. We evaluated the kinematic parameters (bending angle and movement speed) of the knee joint and movement trajectory (of the thigh and shank) when performing exercises with the left (“stronger”) and right (“weaker”) lead leg. Two 400 m hurdlers of the Polish National Athletic Team participated in the analysis. The exercises were performed on five 91 cm high hurdles; the third hurdle was filmed using a Motion Capture (Perception Neuron) system with Axis Neuron Pro software consisting of 18 IMU sensors operating at a frequency of 120 Hz. The analysis demonstrated significant difference in the angle parameters of the “stronger” and “weaker” trail leg knee (1), no differences in the movement speed during exercises performed with alternate legs (2) and individual characteristics of movement trajectory in both exercises (3). The results may be used to optimise of the hurdle training process.