Wearable Technology as an Objective Tool for Measuring Running Gait

Background:

Objective measurement of running gait is an important clinical tool for injury assessment and provides metrics that can be used to enhance performance. Running gait assessment has traditionally been performed using subjective observation or expensive laboratory-based objective technologies, such as 3D motion capture or force plates. However, recent developments in wearable technology allow for continuous monitoring and analysis of running mechanics in any environment, but technologies used for assessment must be valid and reliable. The objective of this study is to investigate the validity, reliability and subsequently the applied use of a commercial wearable technology (DANU Sports System) for running gait assessment. Following assessment of the validity and reliability of the DANU Sports Socks, the investigators use the multi-modal sensor to quantify changes in running gait that may occur with injury, fatigue or performance level will permit quantification of running demands in a runner's natural environment, thereby providing insight into injury mechanisms and objective explanations for performance outcomes.

Methods:

Laboratory Testing: With institutional ethics approval (Ref: 33358), laboratory testing will be conducted at the biomechanics laboratory Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. Within the controlled laboratory environment, we will conduct a concurrent data collection with the multimodal, commercial, or research-grade wearables to determine their validation and reliability for running gait analysis compared to laboratory reference standards (3D motion capture and force plates).

Participants: Within the laboratory testing 40 individuals will be recruited. Laboratory reference set-up: A 3D motion capture and force plate system will be used as the 'gold-standard' reference measures.