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.

Functional Symmetry

In this lab, students will use an IMU-based motion capture system to evaluate functional movement symmetry during a selected exercise. Students can record both bilateral and unilateral trials and compare movement patterns between the left and right sides.

Using 3D kinematic data, students will examine joint angles, range of motion, and movement timing to see how each limb contributes to the task and whether one side moves differently than the other.

Why Analyze
Functional Symmetry?

Differences between the left and right sides during movement can point to limb dominance, strength or mobility differences, or compensatory movement strategies. These asymmetries can affect performance and may also be relevant in injury prevention or rehabilitation.

By analyzing joint kinematics during functional tasks, students can objectively evaluate how evenly movement demands are shared between limbs. This type of analysis is commonly used in sports performance, clinical rehabilitation, and movement research to better understand coordination and movement quality.

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

Analyze Joint Motion During Functional Tasks

Students will examine 3D joint angles and range of motion during the selected exercise to understand how each joint contributes to the overall movement.

Interpret Movement Asymmetries

Students will discuss how side-to-side differences may relate to movement efficiency, coordination, performance limitations, or potential injury risk in athletic and clinical settings.

Compare Left and Right Limb Mechanics

Students will compare joint angles, movement timing, and phase characteristics between limbs to identify asymmetries or differences in movement strategy.