Sensors· 2026Q1· Review
IMU-Based Analysis of Postural Transitions: A Systematic Review
- 0citations
- Q1SCImago
- 2026year
Short summary
A systematic review of 35 studies reveals significant methodological heterogeneity in Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)-based postural transition (PT) assessments, hindering clinical adoption despite IMUs' potential for objective measurement.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Key points
- 35 studies were included in the systematic review on IMU-based postural transition assessment.
- Methodological approaches varied widely, including threshold-based, model-based, and deep learning methods.
- Sit-to-stand was the most commonly assessed postural transition.
- Methodological quality was generally moderate, with several concerns identified.
- Significant heterogeneity exists in sensor configurations, protocols, signal processing, and outcome definitions.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
Background: Postural transitions (PTs) are crucial for daily independence, but their assessment often relies on subjective observational scales. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) offer quantitative assessment, yet a comprehensive synthesis of methodological approaches for IMU-based PT assessment is lacking. This systematic review maps the methodological landscape of IMU-based PT studies. Methods: A PCC-based search queried PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for IMU-based PT assessment in adults. Methodological quality was appraised using design- and purpose-appropriate established tools. Results: From 30,181 records, 35 studies were included, with heterogeneous study designs, purposes (e.g., detection, segmentation, validation), and analytical methods (e.g., threshold-based approach, model-based approach, deep learning method). Sit-to-stand was the most frequently assessed PT. Methodological appraisal indicated an intermediate robustness, with most studies showing moderate concerns. Sensor configurations, acquisition protocols, signal processing, segmentation, and outcome definitions varied substantially, and IMU-derived PT outcomes lacked standardization. Conclusion: IMUs offer significant potential for objective postural-transition assessment in rehabilitation, yet methodological heterogeneity and underrepresented tasks like bed mobility limit progress. Future research must prioritize standardized, validated, and clinically interpretable metrics to address reporting inconsistencies and establish a unified framework essential for widespread clinical adoption.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Sensors, 2026 · DOI ↗
Continue with a free account
Ask the paper: 3 free questions a day about this paper; save it, get its citation, new summaries every day for your field. Takeaways are Premium.
Continue free on the webSign in with Google or Apple; no card needed. You come back to this paper.
On your phone:
Field: Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and RehabilitationHealth Professions