Kinematic validation of an IMU-based 2-segment foot model using optical motion capture and the oxford foot model
Abstract
In recent years, Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) have emerged as a promising alternative to Optical Motion Capture (OMC) systems. However, many applications simplify biomechanical models, particularly for the foot and ankle, by representing them as a single rigid segment. To address this limitation, a 2-segment Foot Model was developed and validated against the Oxford Foot Model using OMC. Twelve participants were equipped with both systems, and their kinematics were measured during overground walking. The data were compared using statistical parametric mapping (SPM), Pearson correlation, and range of motion (ROM) analysis. The results revealed significant differences in some aspects of the curves according to SPM, but the overall shape demonstrated very high correlation values. Additionally, ROM was not significantly different in six out of nine cases. These findings indicate that, while absolute values were not identical, the IMU-based system provides a valid representation of foot and ankle kinematics when analyzed as two distinct segments.
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BibTeX
@article{bauer2026kinematic,
title = {{Kinematic validation of an IMU-based 2-segment foot model using optical motion capture and the oxford foot model}},
author = {Leandra Bauer and Matthias Woiczinski and Kittigon Seehaboot and Pattarapol Yotnuengnit and Timporn Vitoonpong and Sebastian F. Baumbach},
journal = {Scientific Reports},
year = {2026},
month = nov,
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-72329-w},
url = {https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-72329-w},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Kinematic validation of an IMU-based 2-segment foot model using optical motion capture and the oxford foot model
AU - Leandra Bauer
AU - Matthias Woiczinski
AU - Kittigon Seehaboot
AU - Pattarapol Yotnuengnit
AU - Timporn Vitoonpong
AU - Sebastian F. Baumbach
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/11/02
JO - Scientific Reports
DO - 10.1038/s41598-026-72329-w
UR - https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-72329-w
AB - In recent years, Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) have emerged as a promising alternative to Optical Motion Capture (OMC) systems. However, many applications simplify biomechanical models, particularly for the foot and ankle, by representing them as a single rigid segment. To address this limitation, a 2-segment Foot Model was developed and validated against the Oxford Foot Model using OMC. Twelve participants were equipped with both systems, and their kinematics were measured during overground walking. The data were compared using statistical parametric mapping (SPM), Pearson correlation, and range of motion (ROM) analysis. The results revealed significant differences in some aspects of the curves according to SPM, but the overall shape demonstrated very high correlation values. Additionally, ROM was not significantly different in six out of nine cases. These findings indicate that, while absolute values were not identical, the IMU-based system provides a valid representation of foot and ankle kinematics when analyzed as two distinct segments.
SN - 2045-2322
ER -