How Are Sports-Trackers Used by Runners? Running-Related Data, Personal Goals, and Self-Tracking in Running.

Armağan Karahanoğlu,Jasper Reenalda,Rúben Gouveia,Geke Ludden

doi:10.3390/s21113687

Armağan Karahanoğlu, Jasper Reenalda + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/s21113687

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Abstract

The purpose of this research is to explore the roles that sports trackers and running-related data play in runners’ personal goal achievement. A two-week diary study and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 runners to explore how runners engage with their running-related data to set and achieve their running goals. We found that participants pursued and transitioned between different running goals as their needs, abilities, and surrounding environment changed. We also found multiple motivations that shaped the use of sports trackers. We identified two main categories in runners’ motivations for using trackers and data to achieve their goals. These categories were (i) documenting and tracking in running, and (ii) supporting goal-oriented reflections and actions, with various reasons for use while preparing for and during running. This study provides insights into the psychological effects of running-related data and signals practical implications for runners and developers of tracking technology.

Highlights

Using wearable technologies to monitor and track running behavior is currently common practice for many professional as well as recreational runners
Our study investigated runners’ practices when using a tracking device and how they integrated the data provided by these devices in their running routines
It looked at the running-related data from a different angle than traditional biomechanical or physiological studies

Summary

Introduction

Using wearable technologies to monitor and track running behavior is currently common practice for many professional as well as recreational runners. Researchers have been keen on generating and understanding the data, mostly by monitoring the running activity itself by measuring various biomechanical (e.g., joint angles) and physiological (e.g., heart rate) data. These developments translate running practices into aspects that are easy to track in “measurable units” [6]. There has been a recent focus on measuring and improving running technique through technology, as technique is an essential determinant of running performance and running-related injuries [3]. Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations

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