Evaluation of MSD biomechanical risk factors: the use of inertial sensors

In order to propose consistent solutions for musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) prevention, the evaluation of biomechanical risk factors is needed. Different measurements systems are available at this end including optoelectronic systems or electro-goniometers. However, when biomechanical risk factors evaluation is required in field, the utilization of this type of systems is not always possible due to their complex requirements or inaccuracies. In last years, some researches pointed out the potential of use of the inertial sensors. This technology, called in the literature as IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), I(M)MU (Inertial (and Magnetic) Measurement Unit), MIMU (Magnetic and Inertial Measurement Unit), IMMS (Inertial and Magnetic Measurement Unit), is based on three different basic sensors: 3D accelerometer, 3D gyroscope and 3D magnetometer. These sensors are small and easy to use for full-body human motion capture. The recorded data can be used to estimate 3D orientations, angular speeds and accelerations. In this context, the aim of this symposium is to present different utilizations of this technology in a MSD prevention perspective. The symposium gives the possibility to open the discussion around the advantages and limits of their utilization.
The symposium is structured around five presentations presented as follows:
1. Hand position estimation using inertial sensors, Brice BOUVIER et al.
2. Effect of task complexity and duration when validating an inertial system with an optoelectronic system, Xavier ROBERT-LACHAÎNE et al.
3. Using Inertial Sensors to monitor workers’ trunk posture. The case of daycare workers, Geneviève DUMAS et al.
4. Parallel inertial motion tracking and hand force measurements to assess musculoskeletal load of two collaborating ambulance workers, Christoph SCHIEFER et al.
5. Inertial measurement units for assessment of the pattern of forward bending among blue collar workers from the DPHACTO cohort, Pascal MADELEINE et al.
The diversity of presented studies shows the high potential of use of the inertial sensors technology.