1
|
Miqueleiz U, Aguado-Jimenez R, Lecumberri P, Garcia-Tabar I, Gorostiaga EM. Reliability of Xsens inertial measurement unit in measuring trunk accelerations: a sex-based differences study during incremental treadmill running. Front Sports Act Living 2024; 6:1357353. [PMID: 38600906 PMCID: PMC11004309 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1357353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Inertial measurement units (IMUs) are utilized to measure trunk acceleration variables related to both running performances and rehabilitation purposes. This study examined both the reliability and sex-based differences of these variables during an incremental treadmill running test. Methods Eighteen endurance runners performed a test-retest on different days, and 30 runners (15 females) were recruited to analyze sex-based differences. Mediolateral (ML) and vertical (VT) trunk displacement and root mean square (RMS) accelerations were analyzed at 9, 15, and 21 km·h-1. Results No significant differences were found between test-retests [effect size (ES)<0.50)]. Higher intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were found in the trunk displacement (0.85-0.96) compared to the RMS-based variables (0.71-0.94). Male runners showed greater VT displacement (ES = 0.90-1.0), while female runners displayed greater ML displacement, RMS ML and anteroposterior (AP), and resultant euclidean scalar (RES) (ES = 0.83-1.9). Discussion The IMU was found reliable for the analysis of the studied trunk acceleration-based variables. This is the first study that reports different results concerning acceleration (RMS) and trunk displacement variables for a same axis in the analysis of sex-based differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Unai Miqueleiz
- Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Studies, Research and Sports Medicine Centre (CEIMD), Government of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Pablo Lecumberri
- Department of Mathematics, Public University of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ibai Garcia-Tabar
- Society, Sports and Physical Exercise Research Group (GIKAFIT), Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Esteban M. Gorostiaga
- Studies, Research and Sports Medicine Centre (CEIMD), Government of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mason R, Pearson LT, Barry G, Young F, Lennon O, Godfrey A, Stuart S. Wearables for Running Gait Analysis: A Systematic Review. Sports Med 2023; 53:241-268. [PMID: 36242762 PMCID: PMC9807497 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-022-01760-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Running gait assessment has traditionally been performed using subjective observation or expensive laboratory-based objective technologies, such as three-dimensional motion capture or force plates. However, recent developments in wearable devices allow for continuous monitoring and analysis of running mechanics in any environment. Objective measurement of running gait is an important (clinical) tool for injury assessment and provides measures that can be used to enhance performance. OBJECTIVES We aimed to systematically review the available literature investigating how wearable technology is being used for running gait analysis in adults. METHODS A systematic search of the literature was conducted in the following scientific databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus. Information was extracted from each included article regarding the type of study, participants, protocol, wearable device(s), main outcomes/measures, analysis and key findings. RESULTS A total of 131 articles were reviewed: 56 investigated the validity of wearable technology, 22 examined the reliability and 77 focused on applied use. Most studies used inertial measurement units (n = 62) [i.e. a combination of accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetometers in a single unit] or solely accelerometers (n = 40), with one using gyroscopes alone and 31 using pressure sensors. On average, studies used one wearable device to examine running gait. Wearable locations were distributed among the shank, shoe and waist. The mean number of participants was 26 (± 27), with an average age of 28.3 (± 7.0) years. Most studies took place indoors (n = 93), using a treadmill (n = 62), with the main aims seeking to identify running gait outcomes or investigate the effects of injury, fatigue, intrinsic factors (e.g. age, sex, morphology) or footwear on running gait outcomes. Generally, wearables were found to be valid and reliable tools for assessing running gait compared to reference standards. CONCLUSIONS This comprehensive review highlighted that most studies that have examined running gait using wearable sensors have done so with young adult recreational runners, using one inertial measurement unit sensor, with participants running on a treadmill and reporting outcomes of ground contact time, stride length, stride frequency and tibial acceleration. Future studies are required to obtain consensus regarding terminology, protocols for testing validity and the reliability of devices and suitability of gait outcomes. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION CRD42021235527.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Mason
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Liam T Pearson
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Gillian Barry
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Fraser Young
- Department of Computer and Information Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Alan Godfrey
- Department of Computer and Information Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Samuel Stuart
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
- Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Apte S, Troxler S, Besson C, Gremeaux V, Aminian K. Augmented Cooper test: Biomechanical contributions to endurance performance. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:935272. [PMID: 36187713 PMCID: PMC9515446 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.935272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Running mechanics are modifiable with training and adopting an economical running technique can improve running economy and hence performance. While field measurement of running economy is cumbersome, running mechanics can be assessed accurately and conveniently using wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs). In this work, we extended this wearables-based approach to the Cooper test, by assessing the relative contribution of running biomechanics to the endurance performance. Furthermore, we explored different methods of estimating the distance covered in the Cooper test using a wearable global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver. Thirty-three runners (18 highly trained and 15 recreational) performed an incremental laboratory treadmill test to measure their maximum aerobic speed (MAS) and speed at the second ventilatory threshold (sVT2). They completed a 12-minute Cooper running test with foot-worm IMUs and a chest-worn GNSS-IMU on a running track 1–2 weeks later. Using the GNSS receiver, an accurate estimation of the 12-minute distance was obtained (accuracy of 16.5 m and precision of 1.1%). Using this distance, we showed a reliable estimation [R2 > 0.9, RMSE ϵ (0.07, 0.25) km/h] of the MAS and sVT2. Biomechanical metrics were extracted using validated algorithm and their association with endurance performance was estimated. Additionally, the high-/low-performance runners were compared using pairwise statistical testing. All performance variables, MAS, sVT2, and average speed during Cooper test, were predicted with an acceptable error (R2 ≥ 0.65, RMSE ≤ 1.80 kmh−1) using only the biomechanical metrics. The most relevant metrics were used to develop a biomechanical profile representing the running technique and its temporal evolution with acute fatigue, identifying different profiles for runners with highest and lowest endurance performance. This profile could potentially be used in standardized functional capacity measurements to improve personalization of training and rehabilitation programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salil Apte
- Laboratory of Movement Analysis and Measurement, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Salil Apte
| | - Simone Troxler
- Sport Medicine Unit, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Swiss Olympic Medical Center, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cyril Besson
- Sport Medicine Unit, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Swiss Olympic Medical Center, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Gremeaux
- Sport Medicine Unit, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Swiss Olympic Medical Center, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kamiar Aminian
- Laboratory of Movement Analysis and Measurement, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fong HB, Powell DW. Greater Breast Support Is Associated With Reduced Oxygen Consumption and Greater Running Economy During a Treadmill Running Task. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:902276. [PMID: 35774380 PMCID: PMC9237383 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.902276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Breast pain is a major barrier to running for women. While breast support through the use of sports bras reduces breast-related discomfort, the effect of breast support on running performance is less understood. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effect of greater breast support on oxygen consumption and running economy during a treadmill running task. Methods Fifteen female recreational runners performed a 10-min treadmill running task at their preferred running speed in each of two sports bra conditions: low support and high support. Participants ran on an instrumented treadmill (1,200 Hz, Bertec) while indirect calorimetry was performed using a metabolic measurement system (100 Hz, TrueOne, ParvoMedics). Average VO2 (absolute and relative) from the third to 10th minutes was used to evaluate oxygen consumption. Running economy was calculated as the distance traveled per liter of oxygen consumed. Paired samples t-tests were used to compare mean oxygen consumption and running economy values between breast support conditions. Correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between breast size and change in running performance. Results Greater breast support was associated with reductions in absolute (p < 0.001) and relative oxygen consumption (p < 0.001; LOW: 30.9 ± 7.1 ml/kg/min; HIGH: 28.7 ± 6.7 ml/kg/min). Greater breast support was associated with increases in running economy (p < 0.001; LOW: 88.6 ± 29.1 m/L O2; HIGH: 95.2 ± 31.1 m/L O2). No changes in temporospatial characteristics of running were observed including cadence (p = 0.149), step length (p = 0.300) or ground contact time (p = 0.151). Strong positive linear correlations were observed between the change in running performance metrics and breast size (Oxygen Consumption: p < 0.001, r = 0.770; Relative Oxygen Consumption: p < 0.001, r = 0769; Running Economy: p < 0.001, r = 0.807). Conclusions Greater breast support was associated with reduced oxygen consumption and increased running economy. These findings demonstrate that greater breast support is not only associated with improved comfort but also improved running performance.
Collapse
|
5
|
Benson LC, Räisänen AM, Clermont CA, Ferber R. Is This the Real Life, or Is This Just Laboratory? A Scoping Review of IMU-Based Running Gait Analysis. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22051722. [PMID: 35270869 PMCID: PMC8915128 DOI: 10.3390/s22051722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Inertial measurement units (IMUs) can be used to monitor running biomechanics in real-world settings, but IMUs are often used within a laboratory. The purpose of this scoping review was to describe how IMUs are used to record running biomechanics in both laboratory and real-world conditions. We included peer-reviewed journal articles that used IMUs to assess gait quality during running. We extracted data on running conditions (indoor/outdoor, surface, speed, and distance), device type and location, metrics, participants, and purpose and study design. A total of 231 studies were included. Most (72%) studies were conducted indoors; and in 67% of all studies, the analyzed distance was only one step or stride or <200 m. The most common device type and location combination was a triaxial accelerometer on the shank (18% of device and location combinations). The most common analyzed metric was vertical/axial magnitude, which was reported in 64% of all studies. Most studies (56%) included recreational runners. For the past 20 years, studies using IMUs to record running biomechanics have mainly been conducted indoors, on a treadmill, at prescribed speeds, and over small distances. We suggest that future studies should move out of the lab to less controlled and more real-world environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren C. Benson
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (A.M.R.); (C.A.C.); (R.F.)
- Tonal Strength Institute, Tonal, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Anu M. Räisänen
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (A.M.R.); (C.A.C.); (R.F.)
- Department of Physical Therapy Education, College of Health Sciences—Northwest, Western University of Health Sciences, Lebanon, OR 97355, USA
| | - Christian A. Clermont
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (A.M.R.); (C.A.C.); (R.F.)
- Sport Product Testing, Canadian Sport Institute Calgary, Calgary, AB T3B 6B7, Canada
| | - Reed Ferber
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (A.M.R.); (C.A.C.); (R.F.)
- Cumming School of Medicine, Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Running Injury Clinic, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
A Novel Accelerometry-Based Metric to Improve Estimation of Whole-Body Mechanical Load. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21103398. [PMID: 34068169 PMCID: PMC8153011 DOI: 10.3390/s21103398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
While the Player Load is a widely-used parameter for physical demand quantification using wearable accelerometers, its calculation is subjected to potential errors related to rotational changes of the reference frame. The aims of this study were (i) to assess the concurrent validity of accelerometry-based Player Load against force plates; (ii) to validate a novel metric, the Accel’Rate overcoming this theoretical issue. Twenty-one recreational athlete males instrumented with two triaxial accelerometers positioned at the upper and lower back performed running-based locomotor movements at low and high intensity over six in-series force plates. We examined the validity of the Player Load and the Accel’Rate by using force plates. Standard error of the estimate was small to moderate for all tested conditions (Player Load: 0.45 to 0.87; Accel’Rate: 0.25 to 0.95). Accel’Rate displayed trivial to small mean biases (−1.0 to 6.1 a.u.) while the Player Load displayed systematic very large to extremely large mean biases (17.1 to 226.0 a.u.). These findings demonstrate a better concurrent validity of the Accel’Rate compared to the Player Load. This metric could be used to improve the estimation of whole-body mechanical load, easily accessible in sport training and competition settings.
Collapse
|
7
|
Hunter B, Greenhalgh A, Karsten B, Burnley M, Muniz-Pumares D. A non-linear analysis of running in the heavy and severe intensity domains. Eur J Appl Physiol 2021; 121:1297-1313. [PMID: 33580289 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-021-04615-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Altered movement complexity, indicative of system dysfunction, has been demonstrated with increased running velocity and neuromuscular fatigue. The critical velocity (CV) denotes a metabolic and neuromuscular fatigue threshold. It remains unclear whether changes to complexity during running are coupled with the exercise intensity domain in which it is performed. The purpose of this study was to examine whether movement variability and complexity differ exclusively above the CV intensity during running. METHODS Ten endurance-trained participants ran at 95%, 100%, 105% and 115% CV for 20 min or to task failure, whichever occurred first. Movement at the hip, knee, and ankle were sampled throughout using 3D motion analysis. Complexity of kinematics in the first and last 30 s were quantified using sample entropy (SampEn) and detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA-α). Variability was determined using standard deviation (SD). RESULTS SampEn decreased during all trials in knee flexion/extension and it increased in hip internal/external rotation, whilst DFA-α increased in knee internal/external rotation. SD of ankle plantar/dorsiflexion and inversion/eversion, knee internal/external rotation, and hip flexion/extension and abduction/adduction increased during trials. Hip flexion/extension SampEn values were lowest below CV. DFA-α was lower at higher velocities compared to velocities below CV in ankle plantar/dorsiflexion, hip flexion/extension, hip adduction/abduction, hip internal/external rotation. In hip flexion/extension SD was highest at 115% CV. CONCLUSIONS Changes to kinematic complexity over time are consistent between heavy and severe intensity domains. The findings suggest running above CV results in increased movement complexity and variability, particularly at the hip, during treadmill running.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ben Hunter
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK.
| | - Andrew Greenhalgh
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Bettina Karsten
- European University of Applied Sciences (EUFH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Mark Burnley
- Endurance Research Group, School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Kent, Chatham Maritime, Chatham, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|