Predicting overstriding with wearable IMUs during treadmill and overground running
Lauren M Baker1, Ali Yawar2, Daniel E Lieberman2
1John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, 150 Western Avenue, Boston, MA, 02134, USA.
Scientific Reports
|March 16, 2024
Summary
Wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs) can accurately predict overstriding, a key factor in running injuries. This technology offers insights into running form for injury prevention.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Medicine
- Wearable Technology
Background:
- Running injuries are common, but their causes are not fully understood due to limited real-world biomechanical data.
- Overstriding, landing the foot far ahead of the body, is a potential contributor to running injury risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs) can predict overstriding.
- To explore the relationship between overstriding and lower extremity segment angles.
- To assess the correlation between IMU-measured biomechanics and impact forces.
Main Methods:
- Ten recreational runners systematically varied their stride overstriding on a treadmill and during overground running.
- Motion capture and IMUs recorded lower extremity sagittal segment angles.
- Linear mixed models analyzed the relationship between segment angles, overstriding, and peak braking force.
Main Results:
- IMU-measured sagittal segment angles explained 95% (treadmill) and 98% (overground) of the variance in overstriding.
- IMU data correlated with peak braking force, explaining 88% (treadmill) and 80% (overground) of its variance.
- High accuracy in predicting overstriding and impact forces using IMUs was demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- Wearable IMUs can effectively predict overstriding and correlate with impact forces during running.
- IMUs show potential for real-world biomechanical analysis of running form.
- This technology could enable future interventions for running injury prevention.
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