This study assessed the validity of a tri-axial accelerometer worn on the upper body to estimate peak forces during running and change-of-direction tasks. Seventeen participants completed four different running and change-of-direction tasks (0 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, and 180 degrees; five trials per condition). Peak crania-caudal and resultant acceleration was converted to force and compared against peak force plate ground reaction force (GRF) in two formats (raw and smoothed). The resultant smoothed (10 Hz) and crania-caudal raw (except 180 degrees) accelerometer values were not significantly different to resultant and vertical GRF for all running and change-of-direction tasks, respectively. Resultant accelerometer measures showed no to strong significant correlations (r = 0.00-0.76) and moderate to large measurement errors (coefficient of variation [CV] = 11.7-23.9%). Crania-caudal accelerometer measures showed small to moderate correlations (r = -0.26 to 0.39) and moderate to large measurement errors (CV = 15.0-20.6%). Accelerometers, within integrated micro-technology tracking devices and worn on the upper body, can provide a relative measure of peak impact force experienced during running and two change-of-direction tasks (45 degrees and 90 degrees) provided that resultant smoothed values are used.

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This study assessed the validity of an accelerometer to measure impacts in team sports. 76 participants completed a team sport circuit. Accelerations were collected concurrently at 100 Hz using an accelerometer and a 36-camera motion analysis system. The largest peak accelerations per movement were compared in 2 ways: i) pooled together and filtered at 13 different cut-off frequencies (range 6-25 Hz) to identify the optimal filtering frequency, and ii) the optimal cut-off frequency split into the 7 movements performed (n=532). Raw and 25-16 Hz filtering frequencies significantly overestimated and 6 Hz underestimated motion analysis peak accelerations (P <0.007). The 12 Hz filtered accelerometer data revealed the strongest relationship with motion analysis data (accuracy - 0.01±0.27 g, effect size - 0.01, agreement - 0.55 to 0.53 g, precision 0.27 g, and relative error 5.5%; P=1.00). The accelerometer underestimated peak accelerations during tackling and jumping, and overestimated during walking, jogging, sprinting and change of direction. Lower agreement and reduced precision were associated with sprinting, jumping and tackling. The accelerometer demonstrated an acceptable level of concurrent validity compared to a motion analysis system when filtered at a cut-off frequency of 12 Hz. The results advocate the use of accelerometers to measure movements in team sport.

The purpose of this study was to validate peak acceleration data from an accelerometer contained within a wearable tracking device while walking, jogging and running. Thirty-nine participants walked, jogged and ran on a treadmill while 10 peak accelerations per movement were obtained (n = 390). A single triaxial accelerometer measured resultant acceleration during all movements. To provide a criterion measure of acceleration, a 12-camera motion analysis (MA) system tracked the position of a retro-reflective marker affixed to the wearable tracking device. Peak raw acceleration recorded by the accelerometer significantly overestimated peak MA acceleration (P < 0.01). Filtering accelerometer data improved the relationship with the MA system (P < 0.01). However, only the 10 Hz and 8 Hz cut-off frequencies significantly reduced the errors found. The walk movement demonstrated the highest accuracy, agreement and precision and the lowest relative errors. Linear increases in error were observed for jog compared with walk and for run compared to both other movements. As the magnitude of acceleration increased, the strength of the relationship between the accelerometer and the criterion measure decreased. These results indicate that filtered accelerometer data provide an acceptable means of assessing peak accelerations, in particular for walking and jogging.

These data show evidence that a nonlinear dynamic pacing strategy is used by well-trained triathletes throughout various segments and conditions of the Ironman cycle phase. Moreover, an increased variation in torque and speed was found in the headwind versus the tailwind condition.

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the impact of bilaterally symmetrical backpack systems borne on the posterior trunk on walking biomechanics, as backpacks represent the most prevalent method of load carriage in the military and civilian population. A search of electronic databases was performed for studies that only investigated posteriorly-borne backpack carriage during level-grade walking (treadmill and over ground). Methodology of studies was assessed, and both meta-analysis and qualitative synthesis were completed. Fifty-four studies were included in this review. In summary, the available literature showed that backpack carriage in walking was associated with an increased trunk flexion angle, increased hip and ankle range of motion, increased vertical and horizontal ground reaction force, increased cadence, and reduced stride length. Several variations in backpack carriage protocols could explain between-study variations in results, including: walking speed, backpack carriage skill level, the use of a hip belt, and posterior displacement of the load away from the trunk. The findings of this systematic review will inform backpack carriage practices in the area of injury risk assessment and physical performance enhancement.