A qualitative examination of the factors affecting the adoption of injury focused wearable technologies in recreational runners

Effects of Peer- or Professional-Led Support in Enhancing Adherence to Wearable Monitoring Devices Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Despite the well-documented health benefits associated with wearable monitoring devices (WMDs), adherence among community-dwelling older adults remains low. By providing guidance on the purpose and benefits of using WMDs, facilitating goal-setting aligned with the device's features, promoting comprehension of the health data captured by the device, and assisting in overcoming technological challenges, peers and health care professionals can potentially enhance older adults' adherence to WMDs. However, the effectiveness of such support mechanisms in promoting adherence to WMDs among older adults remains poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this systematic review were to examine the effects of peer- or professional-led intervention programs designed to improve adherence to WMDs among community-dwelling older adults and to identify the intervention components that may positively influence the effects of the intervention.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive search across 7 electronic databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials [CENTRAL], PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, British Nursing Index, Web of Science, and CINAHL) to identify articles published between January 1, 2010, and June 26, 2023. We specifically targeted randomized controlled trials that examined the impact of peer- or professional-led interventions on enhancing adherence to WMDs among individuals aged 60 years and older residing in the community. Two independent reviewers extracted data from the included studies and assessed the potential risk of bias in accordance with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomized trials, version 2.

RESULTS

A total of 10,511 studies were identified through the database search. Eventually, we included 3 randomized controlled trials involving 154 community-dwelling older adults. The participants had a mean age of 65 years. Our review revealed that increasing awareness of being monitored and implementing the SystemCHANGE approach, a habit change tool focusing on personal goals and feedback, were effective strategies for enhancing adherence to WMDs among older adults. All of the included studies exhibited a low risk of bias.

CONCLUSIONS

By collaboratively designing specific goals related to WMDs with health care professionals, including nurses and physicians, older adults exhibited a higher likelihood of adhering to the prescribed use of WMDs. These goal-setting tools provided a framework for structure and motivation, facilitating the seamless integration of WMDs into their daily routines. Researchers should prioritize interventions that target awareness and goal-setting as effective approaches to enhance adherence to WMDs among older adults, thereby maximizing the realization of associated health benefits.

The Effect of Wearable-Based Real-Time Feedback on Running Injuries and Running Performance: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Running technique and running speed are considered important risk factors for running injuries. Real-time feedback on running technique and running speed by wearables may help reduce injury risk.

PURPOSE

To investigate whether real-time feedback on spatiotemporal metrics and relative speed by commercially available pressure-sensitive insoles would reduce running injuries and improve running performance compared with no real-time feedback.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

METHODS

A total of 220 recreational runners were randomly assigned into the intervention and control groups. Both groups received pressure-sensitive insoles, but only the intervention group received real-time feedback on spatiotemporal metrics and relative speed. The feedback aimed to reduce loading on the joint/segment estimated to exhibit the highest load. Injury rates were compared between the groups using Cox regressions. Secondary outcomes compared included injury severity, the proportion of runners with multiple injuries, changes in self-reported personal best times and motivation (Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2), and interest in continuing wearable use after study completion.

RESULTS

A total of 160 participants (73%) were included in analyses of the primary outcome. Intention-to-treat analysis showed no significant difference in injury rate between the groups (Hazard ratio [HR], 1.11; P = .70). This was expected, as 53 of 160 (33%) participants ended up in the unassigned group because they used incorrect wearable settings, nullifying any interventional effects. As-treated analysis showed a significantly lower injury rate among participants receiving real-time feedback (HR, 0.53; P = .03). Similarly, the first-time injury severity was significantly lower (-0.43; P = .042). Per-protocol analysis showed no significant differences in injury rates, but the direction favored the intervention group (HR, 0.67; P = .30). There were no significant differences in the proportion of patients with multiple injuries (HR, 0.82; P = .40) or changes in running performance (3.07%; P = .26) and motivation. Also, ~60% of the participants who completed the study showed interest in continuing wearable use.

CONCLUSION

Real-time feedback on spatiotemporal metrics and relative speed provided by commercially available instrumented insoles may reduce the rate and severity of injuries in recreational runners. Feedback did not influence running performance and exercise motivation.

REGISTRATION

NL8472 (Dutch Trial Register).

Estimation of the knee joint load using plantar pressure data measured by smart socks: A feasibility study

BACKGROUND

Unsupervised sports activities could cause traumas, about 70% of them are those of the low extremities. To avoid traumas, the athlete should be aware of dangerous forces acting within low extremity joints. Research in gait analysis indicated that plantar pressure alteration rate correlates with the gait pace. Thus, the changes in plantar pressure should correlate with the accelerations of extremities, and with the forces, acting in the joints. Smart socks provide a budget solution for the measurement of plantar pressure.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the correlation between the plantar pressure, measured using smart socks, and forces, acting in the joints of the lower extremities.

METHODS

The research is case study based. The volunteer performed a set of squats. The arbitrary plantar pressure-related data were obtained using originally developed smart socks with embedded knitted pressure sensors. Simultaneously, the lower extremity motion data were recorded using two inertial measurement units, attached to the tight and the ankle, from which the forces acted in the knee joint were estimated. The simplest possible model of knee joint mechanics was used to estimate force.

RESULTS

The estimates of the plantar pressure and knee joint forces demonstrate a strong correlation (r= 0.75, P< 0.001). The established linear regression equation enables the calculation of the knee joint force with an uncertainty of 22% using the plantar pressure estimate. The accuracy of the classification of the joint force as excessive, i.e., being more than 90% of the maximal force, was 82%.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrate the feasibility of the smart socks for the estimation of the forces in the knee joints. Smart socks therefore could be used to develop excessive joint force alert devices, that could replace less convenient inertial sensors.