International Journal of Yoga (Jan 2009)
Motion analysis of sun salutation using magnetometer and accelerometer
Abstract
Background: Sun salutation is a part of yoga. It consists of a sequence of postures done with synchronized breathing. The practice of few cycles of sun salutation is known to help in maintaining good health and vigor. The practice of sun salutation does not need any extra gadgets. Also it is very much aerobic and invigorates the body and the mind. sun salutation, which comprises 10 postures, involves most of the joints of the body. Understanding the transition phase during motion is a challenging task, and thus, new convenient methods need to be employed. Aims: The purpose of this study was to get an insight into the motion analysis of sun salutation during the transition from each of the 10 postures. Materials and Methods: A device MicroStrain sensor 3DM-GX1, which is a combination of magnetometers, accelerometers, and gyroscopes was used to measure the inclination and the acceleration of the body along the three axes. The acceleration obtained was then separated into gravitational and kinematic components. Results and Conclusions: The value of the gravitational component helps us to understand the position of the body and the kinematic component helps us to analyze the grace of the motion.
