Application of IMU technology in sport and medicine: students develop innovative projects in interactive workshops

The second Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) entitled Technological innovation to support coaching in sports and health, which was developed jointly with Brno University of Technology and Chemnitz University of Technology, took place at UAS Technikum Wien in the summer semester of 2024.

As in the previous year, the aim of the BIP was to learn how to use inertial measurement units (IMUs) to analyze human movement in order to ultimately support the decisions of trainers or to assess and improve the abilities of athletes and patients. In several workshops, background information on IMU sensors, human balance, data analysis, biomechanics and performance assessment was presented online by the lecturers from the participating higher education institutions (HEIs). The 35 students from the three HEIs used this background to develop their group projects, which they worked on online with their team colleagues during the semester. For example, the students worked on the question of whether different running styles and running shoe characteristics can be recognized using the measurement data from an IMU or analysing handball throws. The students and lecturers met on site at UAS Technikum Wien from 13 to 17 May to finalize their projects.

In addition to the joint project work, the program also included teambuilding tasks, a trip to Head Tyrolia, a beach volleyball tournament and a dinner to round off the week together. At the end of the on-site week in Vienna, all groups had to present their finished projects to a jury. In order to successfully complete the BIP, the students have to write a scientific article about their research project.

An Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme is a combination of short-term mobility and online elements. It enables students to work in international project groups and gain intercultural experience as well as academic knowledge, especially if long-term mobility in the form of a semester or internship abroad is not possible for the students.

This event is co-financed by the European Commission as part of the Erasmus+ program.

Photos © Fabian Orner