Abstract
This study describes a method for extracting the stride parameter ground contact time (GCT) from inertial sensor signals in sprinting. Five elite athletes were equipped with inertial measurement units (IMU) on their ankles and performed 34 maximum 50 and 100-m sprints. The GCT of each step was estimated based on features of the recorded IMU signals. Additionally, a photo-electric measurement system covered a 50-m corridor of the track to generate ground truth data. This corridor was placed interchangeably at the first and the last 50-ms of the track. In total, 863 of 889 steps (97.08%) were detected correctly. On average, ground truth data were underestimated by 3.55 ms. The root mean square error of GCT was 7.97 ms. Error analyses showed that GCT at the beginning and the end of the sprint was classified with smaller errors. For single runs the visualization of step-by-step GCT was demonstrated as a new diagnostic instrument for sprint running. The results show the high potential of IMUs to provide the temporal parameter GCT for elite-level athletes.
Highlights
In recent years, the acquisition of performance parameters with sensors for application in sport science and practice has been a developing topic
ground contact time (GCT) is an essential parameter in sprinting [6] but is not commonly available in training and competition settings until now [7]
This study aims to validate the detection of GCTs for elite sprinters in the field with shoe-mounted inertial measurement units (IMU)
Summary
The acquisition of performance parameters with sensors for application in sport science and practice has been a developing topic. With the availability of increased sample rates, even sports with fast and abrupt movements get in the scope of detailed sensor-based analysis. In sports with high speeds, such as sprints, little direct feedback is available to the athlete. Temporal parameters like ground contact time (GCT), step duration, and step rate are common features of running analysis. These parameters were linked to enhanced performances in several studies [1,2,3], underlining their helpfulness for coaches and athletes in training and competition. GCT is an essential parameter in sprinting [6] but is not commonly available in training and competition settings until now [7]
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