Validity and reliability of running gait measurement with the ViMove2 system

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Science
• Wearable Technology

Background:

• Traditional running biomechanics analysis is lab-based, potentially not reflecting natural gait.
• Wearable technology offers potential for precise, real-world running gait monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate the analytical validity and intra-session reliability of the ViMove2 wearable system for temporal running gait outcomes.
• Assess the accuracy of ViMove2 measurements against a 3D motion capture reference system.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-four healthy adults ran on a treadmill at various speeds (8-14 km/hr).
• Running gait was simultaneously measured using the ViMove2 wearable device and 3D motion capture (Vicon).
• Temporal gait outcomes analyzed included ground contact time (GCT) and cadence.

Main Results:

• ViMove2 showed expected changes in GCT and cadence with varying speeds, indicating face validity.
• ViMove2 tended to overestimate GCT and underestimate cadence, particularly at slower speeds.
• Agreement between ViMove2 and the reference was moderate to excellent for cadence across speeds, but varied for GCT, showing poor agreement at 8 km/hr and in females.

Conclusions:

• The ViMove2 system can measure temporal gait outcomes (GCT, cadence) in healthy adults.
• Accuracy and reliability are affected by slower running speeds and sex differences.
• Further research is required to develop speed- and sex-dependent corrections for ViMove2 algorithms.