A Real Time Vibrotactile Biofeedback System for Improving Lower Extremity Kinematic Motion during Sports Training

In sports applications, the use of real time motion monitoring and biofeedback is vital for efficient training, technique improvements and reduce the risk of injuries. This paper proposes a novel approach for monitoring and improving jump landing technique based on lower extremity kinematics. The system consists of wearable inertial sensors, a custom developed software for data processing and a wireless biofeedback unit including skin stimulation devices for vibration feedback. Biofeedback is provided for knee angular measurements obtained with respect to defined target thresholds. The applicability and effectiveness of the system were tested using a Drop Vertical Jump (DVJ) to improve knee flexion and abduction/adduction during landing. The results confirm the accuracy of the system for real time applications and the impact of vibrotactile biofeedback for motor augmentation and injury prevention in sports applications.