Abstract
ObjectiveTo investigate the validity and reliability of a smartphone application for selected lower-limb kinematics during treadmill running. DesignValidity and reliability study. SettingBiomechanics laboratory. ParticipantsTwenty healthy female runners. Main outcome measure(s)Sagittal-plane hip, knee, and ankle angle and rearfoot eversion were assessed using the Coach’s Eye Smartphone application and a 3D motion capture system. Paired t-test and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) established criterion validity of Coach’s Eye; ICC determined test-retest and intrarater/interrater reliability. Standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC) were also reported. ResultsSignificant differences were found between Coach’s Eye and 3D measurements for ankle angle at touchdown and knee angle at toe-off (p < 0.05). ICCs for validity of Coach’s Eye were excellent for rearfoot eversion at touchdown (ICC = 0.79) and fair-to-good for the other kinematics (range 0.51–0.74), except for hip at touchdown, which was poor (ICC = 0.36). Test-retest (range 0.80–0.92), intrarater (range 0.95–0.99) and interrater (range 0.87–0.94) ICC results were excellent for all selected kinematics. ConclusionCoach’s Eye can be used as a surrogate for 3D measures of knee and rearfoot in/eversion at touchdown, and hip, ankle, and rearfoot in/eversion at toe-off, but not for hip and ankle at touchdown or knee at toe-off. Reliable running kinematics were obtained using Coach’s Eye, making it suitable for repeated measures.
Highlights
Running is one of the most popular sporting activities, but improper gait kinematics are associated with increased injury risk in runners (Verrelst R, Van Tiggelen D, De Ridder R, 2018)
There were no significant differences for other kinematics
intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) values were excellent for rearfoot in/eversion at touchdown (r 1⁄4 0.79) and fair-to-good for other kinematic measures (r 1⁄4 0.51 to 0.74), except for hip angle at touchdown, which was poor (r 1⁄4 0.36)
Summary
Running is one of the most popular sporting activities, but improper gait kinematics are associated with increased injury risk in runners (Verrelst R, Van Tiggelen D, De Ridder R, 2018). Kinematics such as hip flexion (Shen, Mao, Zhang, Sun, & Song, 2019), knee flexion (Mousavi et al, 2019) and ankle dorsiflexion (Pohl, Hamill, & Davis, 2009) have been reported as associated factors for running-related injuries. Mousavi et al / Physical Therapy in Sport 43 (2020) 27e35
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