Development of a video camera-type kayak motion capture system to measure water kayaking.

Background: In kayaking, trunk motion is one of the important factors that prevent injury and improve performance. Kinematic studies in kayaking have been reported in laboratory settings using paddling simulators and ergometers. However, such studies do not reflect kayaking on water, the actual competitive environment.

Evaluation of Sit-to-Stand Movement in Older Adults with Locomotive Syndrome Using the Nintendo Wii Balance Board.

Standing up from a chair is a mechanically demanding daily motion, and its biomechanics represent motor performance. In older adults with locomotive syndrome (LS), sit-to-stand (STS) movement with adequate postural control is essential to prevent falls. This study evaluated the characteristics of dynamic balance during STS movement on older adults with LS.

A Hand-Worn Inertial Measurement Unit for Detection of Bat-Ball Impact during Baseball Hitting.

Swinging a baseball bat at a pitched ball takes less than half of a second. A hitter uses his lower extremities to generate power, and coordination of the swing motion gradually transfers power through the trunk to the upper extremities during bat-ball impact. The most important instant of the baseball swing is at the bat-ball impact, after which the direction, speed, height, and distance of the hit ball determines whether runs can be scored.

Efficacy of Inertial Measurement Units in the Evaluation of Trunk and Hand Kinematics in Baseball Hitting.

Baseball hitting is a highly dynamic activity, and advanced methods are required to accurately obtain biomechanical data. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) can capture the motion of body segments at high sampling rates both indoor and outdoor. The bat rotates around the longitudinal axis of the body; thus, trunk motion plays a key role in baseball hitting.

Identification of key events in baseball hitting using inertial measurement units.

Quantification of baseball hitting mechanics under game conditions help players to become successful batters and prevent injuries. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) can measure motion without any spatial restriction and are thus becoming a popular tool to investigate sports biomechanics. Biomechanical analysis of hitting requires the accurate detection of key events including "foot-off" while leaning back (F), "foot-on" during forward swing (F), and ball impact.