A digital graphic titled “IMU Lab Experiment: Gait Kinematics and Symmetry.” The background shows a screenshot of a Noraxon IMU Gait Lab Report displaying gait phase illustrations and symmetry parameters. Overlaid in the foreground is glowing blue cursive text that reads “Gait Kinematics and Symmetry,” paired with the structured IMU Lab Experiment logo in the upper left corner. The image visually represents a biomechanics lab experiment focused on gait phase analysis and movement symmetry using IMU sensors.

Jump Analysis

In this lab, students will use an IMU-based motion capture system to measure and analyze lower-limb movement during a countermovement jump.  Students will collect and evaluate 3D joint angle data of the hip, knee, and ankle throughout the jump phases: descent, take-off, flight, and landing; to understand movement coordination and symmetry between limbs. 

Why Analyze
Jump Kinematics & Symmetry?

Asymmetries in joint angles, timing, or range of motion during the jump phases, can indicate compensatory strategies, limb dominance, or underlying strength and mobility deficits that may limit performance or increase injury risk.

By analyzing 3D joint kinematics, phase timing, and side-to-side differences during a countermovement jump, students will be able to identify how each joint contributes to jump height, control, and landing mechanics. This approach supports objective evaluation of power generation, coordination, and symmetry; making IMU-based jump analysis a valuable tool for performance profiling, rehabilitation, and return-to-play decision making in both athletic and clinical populations. 

Participant seated in a chair in a biomechanics lab, wearing EMG sensors on the thigh to prepare for a sit-to-stand movement assessment.
A screenshot of a Noraxon IMU Gait Lab Report displaying gait phase analysis. The report includes a series of illustrated walking figures showing the stance and swing phases, along with labeled events such as heel strike and toe-off. Below the visuals, a table lists gait phase parameters comparing left and right stance phases with percentage and variability data. The interface shows options for exporting, editing, and viewing reports within the Noraxon software.

Learning Objectives for Students

Quantify Lower Limb Jump Mechanics

Students will analyze 3D hip, knee, and ankle kinematics across the phases of a countermovement jump to understand coordination, range of motion, and angular velocity contributions to performance.

Evaluate Symmetry and Limb Contribution

Students will compare left-right joint angles, timing, and phase-specific metrics to identify asymmetries, limb dominance, and compensatory strategies that may influence jump height, landing control, or injury risk.