•  
  •  
 

Category

Wearable Technology

Document Type

Paper

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of acute fatigue on the asymmetry, variability, and complexity of the running pattern. We equipped 11 half-marathon participants with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) on each foot and a global navigation satellite system (GNSS)-IMU sensor on chest. Every 10 minutes of the race, the participant pronounced their perceived rating-of-fatigue (ROF) on a scale of 1 to 10. We divided the race into 8 equal segments, with one ROF score per segment, and included only the flat running parts. Temporal gait parameters were extracted using validated algorithms, followed by the computation of their asymmetry, and the variability and complexity of the cycle time (CT). Gait asymmetry increased significantly toward the end of the race and at higher perceived fatigue; faster runners showed a greater increase in asymmetry. CT variability increased significantly at the beginning of the race and then remained stable for all participants, but faster runners showed up to 20% less variability. No significant change was observed in CT complexity. This study highlights the increase in asymmetry and variability due to acute fatigue, with differences between fast/slow runners, and the importance of simultaneously measuring perceived fatigue and gait parameters under real-world conditions.

Download

Share

COinS