Advances in Wearable Inertial and EMG Sensors for Movement Quality Analysis in Sports Science and Rehabilitation
A special issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220). This special issue belongs to the section "Wearables".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 December 2026 | Viewed by 3689
Special Issue Editors
Interests: quality movement analysis; EMG analysis; motion real-time biofeedback; rehabilitation tech; therapeutic exercise
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Recent advancements in wearable inertial sensors (IMUs) have significantly expanded our ability to monitor and improve human movement across various contexts. These devices allow for precise, real-time motion tracking that goes beyond the use of traditional metrics such as step count or calorie burn, focusing instead on the quality of movement and biomechanical patterns. Moreover, emerging research is increasingly integrating surface electromyography (EMG) to assess muscle activation patterns during motion. This complementary approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of motor control by linking biomechanical data with neuromuscular responses. Wearable IMUs, often used in conjunction with EMG, hold promise in enhancing athletic performance, preventing injuries, and supporting rehabilitation through biofeedback mechanisms. Their applications are not only relevant to elite or amateur athletes but also extend to the general population and individuals with specific needs, such as the elderly, children, and those with spinal or musculoskeletal disorders or other health conditions.
This Special Issue invites original research, reviews, and case studies that explore the use of wearable IMU technology—alone or integrated with EMG—for improving movement quality and health outcomes. We aim to cover a wide range of potential topics, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Motion control and biofeedback in sports performance.
- Wearable sensor applications in injury prevention and rehabilitation.
- Biofeedback systems for managing lower back pain and other spinal or musculoskeletal disorders.
- Innovations in sensor technology and integrative approaches combining IMUs and EMG for comprehensive motion analysis.
- IMU-based interventions to enhance quality of life in different populations.
Dr. Miguel García-Jaén
Dr. Gema Sanchis-Soler
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- wearable sensors
- inertial measurement units (IMUs)
- electromyography (EMG)
- motion analysis
- biofeedback
- rehabilitation
- injury prevention
- sports science
- spinal health
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