Journal of Biomechanics
Journal of Biomechanics
4 years ago

Estimation and validation of spatio-temporal parameters for sprint running using a radio-based tracking system

Spatio-temporal parameters like step length, step frequency and ground contact time are directly related to sprinting performance. There is still a lack of knowledge, however, on how these parameters interact. Recently, various algorithms for the automatic detection of step parameters during sprint running have been presented which have been based on data from motion capture systems, video cameras, opto-electronic systems or Inertial measurement units. However, all of these methods suffer from at least one of the following shortcomings: they are (a) not applicable for more than one sprinter simultaneously, (b) only capable of capturing a small volume or (c) do not provide accurate spatial parameters. To circumvent these issues, the radio-based local position measurement system RedFIR could be used to obtain spatio-temporal information during sprinting based on lightweight transmitters attached to the athletes. To assess and optimize the accuracy of these parameters 19 100 m sprints of twelve young elite athletes (age: 16.5 ± 2.3 years) were recorded by a radio-based tracking system and a opto-electronic reference instrument. Optimal filter parameters for the step detection algorithm were obtained based on RMSE differences between estimates and reference values on an unseen test set. Attaching a transmitter above the ankle showed the best results. Bland-Altman analysis yielded 95% limits of agreement of [-14.65 cm,15.05 cm] for step length [-0.016 s,0.016 s] for step time and [-0.020 s,0.028 s] for ground contact time, respectively. RMS errors smaller than 2% for step length and step time show the applicability of radio-based tracking systems to provide spatio-temporal parameters. This creates new opportunities for performance analysis that can be applied for any running discipline taking place within a stadium. Since analysis for multiple athletes is available in real-time this allows immediate feedback to coaches, athletes and media.

Publisher URL: www.sciencedirect.com/science

DOI: S0021929017305171

You might also like
Discover & Discuss Important Research

Keeping up-to-date with research can feel impossible, with papers being published faster than you'll ever be able to read them. That's where Researcher comes in: we're simplifying discovery and making important discussions happen. With over 19,000 sources, including peer-reviewed journals, preprints, blogs, universities, podcasts and Live events across 10 research areas, you'll never miss what's important to you. It's like social media, but better. Oh, and we should mention - it's free.

  • Download from Google Play
  • Download from App Store
  • Download from AppInChina

Researcher displays publicly available abstracts and doesn’t host any full article content. If the content is open access, we will direct clicks from the abstracts to the publisher website and display the PDF copy on our platform. Clicks to view the full text will be directed to the publisher website, where only users with subscriptions or access through their institution are able to view the full article.