Definition of inertial motion
Inertial motion is the displacement of an object that occurs when an external force changes its state of rest or motion. It is a fundamental concept in physics and biomechanics, as it allows us to understand how a body behaves when a certain force acts on it.
This type of movement is closely linked to the concept of inertia, which is the ability of a body to resist changes in its movement.
What is inertia?
Inertia is the property of an object to remain at rest or in uniform motion if no external force acts on it. According to Newton’s First Law or Law of Inertia, a body will not change its state if no external force is applied to it.
This principle is key to the analysis of human movement, as many everyday or sporting actions involve overcoming this inertia or taking advantage of it.
What are inertial measurement units (IMU)?
Inertial Measurement Units (IMU) are electronic devices that measure and record the movement of an object or person. These sensors collect data such as:
- Linear acceleration
- Angular velocity
- Changes in orientation
- Relative positioning
Thanks to their compact size and ability to operate wirelessly, inertial sensors have become essential in clinical biomechanics, rehabilitation, sports performance analysis and ergonomics.
Inertial motion analysis applications
Inertial motion capture has become a fundamental tool in different disciplines:
- Sport biomechanics: to evaluate technical gestures, prevent injuries and optimise performance.
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation: to monitor patient progress and adapt personalised treatments.
- Gait analysis: detailed evaluation of locomotion patterns in clinical studies.
- Virtual reality, video games and cinema: to create more realistic environments by tracking the human body.
STT Systems technologies for inertial motion measurement
En STT Systems, desarrollamos soluciones de hardware y software para la captura de movimiento inercial en 3D, adaptadas a múltiples entornos profesionales y de investigación. Dos de nuestras tecnologías principales son:
iSen – inertial motion capture system
iSen is a platform comprising inertial sensors, analysis software, and synchronisation tools. It allows for the analysis of a specific joint or the entire body without space restrictions.
Advantages:
Ventajas:
- Easy fitting of sensors on the body.
- Real-time analysis.
- Automatic reporting.
- High precision gait analysis and biomechanics,
Watch this video of gait analysis with iSen to see how it works.
STT-IWS: Wi-Fi inertial measurement unit
STT-IWS is a compact, portable unit with Wi-Fi connectivity and sampling capability up to 400 Hz, ideal for high-precision studies. It has an internal memory that allows data to be stored without the need for constant connection.
Why is it important to measure inertial motion?
Inertial motion is key to understanding how external forces interact with the human body. Thanks to technological advances in inertial sensors, it is possible to perform detailed and accurate studies of inertial motion in disciplines such as:
- Clinical biomechanics.
- Sports training.
- Functional rehabilitation.
- Scientific research.
Do you want to apply inertial motion capture technology in your project?
At STT Systems, we can help you implement systems such as iSen or STT-IWS in your centre, laboratory or research facility. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation and we will advise you on the best solution for your needs.
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