Synchronisation of multiple unconnected inertial measurement units using software correction

Brook Galna; Emily Wood; Steven Griffiths; Daniel Jackson; Adrian Rivadella; Iain Spears

doi:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2025.112632

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Synchronisation of multiple unconnected inertial measurement units using software correction

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Synchronisation of multiple unconnected inertial measurement units using software correction

Brook Galna, Emily Wood, Steven Griffiths, Daniel Jackson, Adrian Rivadella and Iain Spears

Journal of biomechanics, Vol.183, 112632

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2025.112632

PMID: 40086251

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Abstract

Desynchronisation

Inertial Measurement Unit

Wearable Device

A major challenge in capturing multi-segmental movements with unconnected inertial measurement units (IMUs) is synchronisation between IMUs. The aims of this study were to assess the reproducibility of desynchronisation rates between unconnected IMUs (Axivity, Ax6) commonly used in human movement studies and to determine the accuracy of predicted (corrected) clock differences under different conditions. In the first two experiments, we report that rates of desynchronisation between IMU pairs were linear, unique to each pair, and reproducible within and between sessions. The third experiment involved a cohort of active adults (n = 44) performing physical activity and resulted in predicted clock errors from −10.1 to 0.3 ms after 2 h. This level of synchronisation is acceptable for most human movement applications. The consistent and predictable desynchronisation rates found in these commonly used unconnected IMUs provides an opportunity for a simple, movement-independent, and adaptable techniques to extend synchronisation periods for many applications in human movement research. Further work to compensate for fluctuations in external and internal factors is warranted to extend synchronisation between unconnected IMUs for even longer duration.

Details

Title: Synchronisation of multiple unconnected inertial measurement units using software correction
Authors/Creators: Brook Galna - Murdoch University, Centre for Healthy Ageing
Emily Wood - PHysical Activity, Sport and Exercise (PHASE) Research Group, School of Allied Health (Exercise Science), Murdoch University, Western Australia, Australia
Steven Griffiths - Newcastle University
Daniel Jackson - Newcastle University
Adrian Rivadella - Tonus Tech Ltd, Nottingham, UK
Iain Spears - Newcastle University
Publication Details: Journal of biomechanics, Vol.183, 112632
Publisher: Elsevier Ltd.; London
Number of pages: 5
Grant note: university-industry research grant (InnovateUK): 10018895
This project was funded through a university-industry research grant (InnovateUK, #10018895) . The industry partner was Tonus Tech Ltd.
Identifiers: 991005753933007891
Murdoch Affiliation: Centre for Healthy Ageing
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Citation topics: 4 Electrical Engineering, Electronics & Computer Science; 4.58 Wireless Technology; 4.58.1854 WBAN
Web Of Science research areas: Biophysics; Engineering, Biomedical
ESI research areas: Molecular Biology & Genetics