At HaB Direct, we’re proud to supply cutting-edge biomechanical analysis technology to institutions that are pushing the boundaries of health and performance research. The latest example comes from the University of Essex, where researchers have conducted a ground-breaking study exploring lumbar mobility using Noraxon IMU technology. Noraxon’s products are available exclusively in the UK & Ireland from HaB Direct.
Published in Heliyon, this peer-reviewed study, conducted in collaboration with the University of Birmingham, investigates whether a single tri-axial accelerometer (like the one housed in Noraxon’s IMUs) can effectively quantify lumbar flexion mobility and velocity. The implications? A more accessible, portable, and cost-effective method for tracking spine movement in real-world settings.
The Research: Simple Tech, Significant Impact
Traditionally, tracking spinal motion requires complex, multi-sensor setups. They often involve full IMUs combining accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers. However, the University of Essex team wanted to know: could just one component (the accelerometer) do the job?
Using a Noraxon IMU secured at the L3 vertebra, they recorded lumbar movement data from 18 healthy adults as they performed repeated spinal flexion movements. Data was collected using Noraxon’s MyoResearch MR3 software, providing robust capture and precise signal processing.
Their findings? The accelerometer alone produced very high correlation (r > 0.90) with the full IMU’s results across the majority of the movement cycle. Despite minor initial and final discrepancies, the study found single-sensor solutions viable for long-term, remote lumbar monitoring. In particular, for managing widespread low back pain (LBP). This is especially useful for clinical use. While the accelerometer alone was able to produce a high correlation across the majority of the movement cycle, it is still recommended that IMU systems – such as the Noraxon Ultium IMU system – are utilised wherever possible for highly accurate and reproducible results.
“An accelerometer attached to the lumbar spine will provide lumbar flexion angles that are highly correlated with those measured by a multi-sensor IMU… This result will be useful to inform remote clinical monitoring of lumbar motion during rehabilitation and population research.” (Evans et al., 2024)
Evans, D.W., Wong, I.T.Y., Leung, H.K., Yang, H. and Liew, B.X.W., 2024. Quantifying lumbar mobility using a single tri-axial accelerometer. Heliyon, 10(11), e32544. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32544
A Track Record of Empowering Academic Research
This isn’t the first time Noraxon systems have been chosen by top UK institutions. Earlier this year, we showcased how the University of Birmingham enhanced their state-of-the-art sports science facilities with HaB Direct’s support. It includes a suite of Noraxon and h/p/cosmos ergometers. Read the case study here.
Now, with the University of Essex validating new methodologies using Noraxon sensors, it’s clear that our technology is enabling researchers across the UK to explore new frontiers. From injury prevention to rehabilitation and performance optimisation.
Why This Matters for Clinics and Researchers
As healthcare moves toward decentralisation and remote models of care, having reliable, user-friendly technology that can be in use outside the lab becomes essential. This study demonstrates that affordable, wearable solutions like Noraxon’s accelerometers may enable practitioners to monitor patients in real-world settings, without compromising on data quality.
View the full research paper here.
Whether you’re running a clinical trial, managing rehabilitation remotely, or collecting large-scale population data, HaB Direct offers solutions tailored to your needs – backed by industry-leading support and expertise.
Noraxon Ultium Motion 3D Motion Capture/IMU System
The Noraxon Ulltium Motion 3D Capture System uses an array of inertial measurement units (IMUs) to measure anatomical joint angles, orientation angles, and linear acceleration in natural and lab-based environments.
