IMU Driven OpenSim: Swimming

See more videos like this: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLacwAD_DGbZWgYpNHBycpFS5iodWEiask As summer wraps up I wanted to share a capability we've developed at Exponent to analyze swimming. What you are seeing here is the result of fusing data from 16 wearable and waterproof sensors to drive the motions of a musculoskeletal model. I was able to set up the sensors and record this data in about half an hour with help from my nieces and nephews at a family reunion (big shout out to my niece for being the subject of this data!). As you can see, we were able to analyze swimming technique by clearly visualizing joint angles from any viewpoint. Everyone involved had a fun time collecting this data... although my swim-coach-sister-in-law had a few critiques of her daughter's form! There is a lot of data being collected by these sensors and combining it with musculoskeletal modeling software (OpenSim) provides the potential for a very "deep dive" into the biomechanics of swimming. In the video, I highlight joint kinematics and timing, as well as the timing of muscle activations. Investigations on swimming technique/performance, effects of training interventions, injury potential, and data required for stroke identification from a single sensor (think smartwatch) are all within reach with this approach. The effect of swimming equipment on each of these could also be quantified. Beyond being highly portable, our system for measuring whole body kinematics does not need to be in range of any other equipment and is unaffected by getting in or out of the water. The system also has a long battery life and can record data for up to 12 hours. Imagine being able to record joint angles as someone completes a triathlon. Open water swimming, cycling, and running can all be recorded seamlessly. I hope you all had a very fun and safe Labor day!