Validity and Reliability of an Inertial Sensor Device for Specific Running Patterns in Soccer

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Performance Analysis

Background:

• Electronic performance tracking devices are crucial in team sports for monitoring and enhancing training.
• Global Positioning System (GPS) devices are predominantly used in soccer training.
• There is a need to evaluate alternative technologies for performance monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the validity and reliability of inertial sensor devices (ISDs) for monitoring distance and speed in a soccer-specific circuit.
• To compare the performance of ISDs against GPS systems in young soccer players.

Main Methods:

• 44 young male soccer players (ages 9-16) participated in a soccer running sport-specific circuit.
• Both ISD and GPS devices were used to collect distance and speed data.
• Data was validated against a video reference system, with errors quantified using root mean square error (RMSE).

Main Results:

• Significant differences were observed between GPS and ISD for both distance and speed monitoring.
• The ISD demonstrated lower error rates for distance (dRMSE 2.23 ± 1.01 m) compared to GPS (5.75 ± 1.50 m).
• The ISD also showed lower error rates for speed (sRMSE 0.588 ± 0.152 m·s⁻¹) than GPS (1.30 ± 0.422 m·s⁻¹).

Conclusions:

• ISDs provide a statistically valid and reliable method for monitoring distance and speed in soccer training.
• ISDs exhibit better practical applicability due to their smaller size, lower cost, and indoor usability.
• The findings suggest ISDs are a promising alternative to GPS for soccer performance analysis.