Comparing Gait Symmetry and Consistency on a Track versus Trail Running

Presenter

Sravan Mandepudi

Campus

UMass Amherst

Sponsor

Wouter Hoogkamer, Department of Kinesiology, UMass Amherst

Schedule

Session 1, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A83, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 5 (A81-A100) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

Introduction: Biomechanically assessing trail running in a laboratory setting presents challenges due to the difficulty of replicating trail conditions indoors. We propose utilizing sagittal angular velocity data from inertial measurement units (IMUs) and force insole data to compute the symmetry and consistency of gait biomechanics as a method for characterizing trail running outside of the lab.

Objective: This study aimed to validate a method of characterizing trail running outside of the lab using IMUs.

Methods: Twelve healthy young adults will be equipped with 4 IMUs, one on each shank and thigh, as well as force insoles inserted into their shoes. So far, 8 participants completed a total of eight running trials at a self-selected pace. These trials included: (1) two 100-meter trials on the straight section of a track, (2) two 100-meter trials on the curved section of a track clockwise, (3) two 100-meter trials on the curved section of a track counterclockwise, and (4) two approximately 100-meter trials on a trail. Sagittal angular velocity data from IMUs (BlueTrident, IMeasureU, Vicon, Denver, CO) and force insole data (loadsol.pro, novel electronics inc., Pittsburgh, PA) were used to calculate angular velocity symmetry and angular velocity consistency following the method outlined by Clemens et al. (2020).

Results: Average Symmetry scores for straight (1.3±0.5) were not significantly different from curve (3.3±3.0) and trail (2.7±1.7) after using a t-test. These findings suggest that accurately biomechanically characterizing trail running using the proposed method might not be feasible.

 

Keywords

Trail Running, Biomechanics, Running, Stride

Research Area

Sports and Exercise Science + Physiology

SIMILAR ABSTRACTS (BY KEYWORD)