Music-based biofeedback to reduce tibial shock in over-ground running: a proof-of-concept study

Abstract

Methods to reduce impact in distance runners have been proposed based on real-time auditory feedback of tibial acceleration. These methods were developed using treadmill running. In this study, we extend these methods to a more natural environment with a proof-of-concept. We selected ten runners with high tibial shock. They used a music-based biofeedback system with headphones in a running session on an athletic track. The feedback consisted of music superimposed with noise coupled to tibial shock. The music was automatically synchronized to the running cadence. The level of noise could be reduced by reducing the momentary level of tibial shock, thereby providing a more pleasant listening experience. The running speed was controlled between the condition without biofeedback and the condition of biofeedback. The results show that tibial shock decreased by 27% or 2.96 g without guided instructions on gait modification in the biofeedback condition. The reduction in tibial shock did not result in a clear increase in the running cadence. The results indicate that a wearable biofeedback system aids in shock reduction during over-ground running. This paves the way to evaluate and retrain runners in over-ground running programs that target running with less impact through instantaneous auditory feedback on tibial shock.

Reducing the peak tibial acceleration of running by music‐based biofeedback: A quasi‐randomized controlled trial

“…Multiple studies have reported a reduction in PTA a and other impact measures at the end and even following the completion of a treadmill‐based retraining program with the use of real‐time feedback on axial tibial acceleration 3,5,7 . Importantly, real‐time feedback on the PTA a is deliverable during over‐ground running 12,13 . There is proof of concept for music‐based feedback on the PTA a to stimulate a substantial and perhaps clinically meaningful reduction in PTA a (−27% or 2.96 g ) in runners who exhibited high PTA a 12 .…”

“…Importantly, real‐time feedback on the PTA a is deliverable during over‐ground running 12,13 . There is proof of concept for music‐based feedback on the PTA a to stimulate a substantial and perhaps clinically meaningful reduction in PTA a (−27% or 2.96 g ) in runners who exhibited high PTA a 12 . However, a controlled trial is wanted because a control group was lacking and the intervention was limited to a single session of gait retraining.…”

“…To achieve these design criteria, we used faded feedback and music that is tempo‐synchronized. We previously developed a biofeedback module to reduce the PTA a of running in a single session with the use of continuous feedback delivered by a prototype wearable system 12 . In the current study, we aimed to develop and test a wearable system for impact reduction by providing music‐based biofeedback that is tempo‐synchronized and faded over time.…”

Reliability and Validity of Running Cadence and Stance Time Derived from Instrumented Wireless Earbuds

“…Second, real-time feedback of gait parameters such as cadence and contact times derived from inertial sensors is often provided visually on a watch, looking at which interferes with running [ 15 , 22 ]. Auditory instructions or feedback on gait parameters, for example through auditory pacing [ 23 ] or sonification [ 24 , 25 ], is therefore preferable [ 26 ]. Third, previous research indicated that runners dislike carrying their phone and would prefer using an all-in-one device [ 16 ].…”

A Wearable Biofeedback Device to Increase Gait Swing Time Could Have Positive Effects on Gait among Older Adults

“…Randomization of the order of the two conditions was not used, as reversing the order would increase the total test time which was not ideal for older people and might increase the risk of carry-over effects due to short wash-out time [ 35 ]. Such arrangements were also used in recent studies [ 36 , 37 , 38 ]. Each participant underwent both conditions on the same day to avoid possible day-to-day variability.…”