Method analysis of accelerometers and gyroscopes in running gait: A systematic review

Abstract

Purpose: To review articles utilising accelerometers and gyroscopes to measure running gait and assess various methodology utilised when doing so. To identify research and coaching orientated parameters which have been previously investigated and offer evidence based recommendations as to future methodology employed when investigating these parameters.Methods: Electronic databases were searched using key related terminology such as accelerometer(s) and gyroscope(s) and/or running gait. Articles returned were then visually inspected and subjected to an inclusion and exclusion criteria after which citations were inspected for further relevance. Thirty-eight articles were then included in the review.

Relationship between Lower Limb Kinematics and Upper Trunk Acceleration in Recreational Runners

“…Recent development and refinement in the technology have made IMUs less cumbersome, more economic, and ecological representing an alternative respect to the traditional 3D motion capture [4]. In recent years, the use of those sensors has been extended to the analysis of sport performances [5] and in particular of running gait [6]. Related research studies in the running field, employing an IMU system, focused mainly on lower limb kinematics [6] with several different purposes, such as describing the running pattern [7], investigating the epidemiology and risk factors for injuries [8], assessing the effect of biomechanical interventions on kinetic, kinematic, and spatiotemporal running variables during rehabilitation from running injuries [9], just to name a few.…”

“…In recent years, the use of those sensors has been extended to the analysis of sport performances [5] and in particular of running gait [6]. Related research studies in the running field, employing an IMU system, focused mainly on lower limb kinematics [6] with several different purposes, such as describing the running pattern [7], investigating the epidemiology and risk factors for injuries [8], assessing the effect of biomechanical interventions on kinetic, kinematic, and spatiotemporal running variables during rehabilitation from running injuries [9], just to name a few. On the contrary, upper body biomechanics in runners has been poorly investigated, and reported measurements are mostly derived from triaxial accelerometers placed on the lower trunk, in the attempt to describe the center of mass kinematics [1,10].…”

Using a wireless consumer accelerometer to measure tibial acceleration during running: agreement with a skin-mounted sensor

“…1b); connected via a wire to a PCB signal conditioner mounted remotely (model 480E09; gain = 10). Although the sensor could not be attached to the bone and was still skin mounted, acceptable accuracy has been reported for skin mounted sensors with a mass of less than 3 g [7]. This supports the choice of the reference sensor in offering the most accurate means of measuring tibial acceleration in vitro.…”

“…With appropriate location and application procedures, differences between skin and bone mounted accelerometers can be minimised [6]. As such, skin-mounted devices are considered suitable for measuring tibial accelerations [7]. However, they are relatively expensive and their use is often confined to a laboratory-limiting their application within injury risk assessment, rehabilitation and gait retraining.…”

A Review on Accelerometry-Based Gait Analysis and Emerging Clinical Applications

“…There are a number of review papers in the literature which address the use of accelerometers and gyroscopes for gait analysis. These include studies focused on the analysis of running gait [12] and the assessment of standing balance and walking stability in PD patients [13]. The effects of device location, age, and testing protocol using accelerometers in gait measurement have been investigated in [14].…”