INERTIAL SENSOR FEEDBACK DURING SQUAT EXERCISE

Abstract

The half-squat is the most widely used exercise in the resistance training, which must be considered optimal only if it is specific and safe. Safeness relies, with other factors, in using the correct technique and being provided with adequate monitoring and feedback. In this perspective, this study a) provided a thorough characterization of the less dangerous squat technique, and b) showed how wearable inertial measurement units (IMU) can be used to quantify key variables useful to reduce errors. The IMU estimate presented a good concurrent validity (r=0.91) for trunk maximal forward inclination, although with significant mean systematic bias of 7±5 deg, and fair concurrent validity for pelvis and barbell rotations in the frontal plane with lower systematic biases. Thus the use IMUs to provide practitioners a quantitative feedback of the execution is encouraged.