Step Frequency Research Articles

Occupational daily walking steps have inverse relationship with papillary thyroid cancer risk and progression: a retrospective analysis.

Investigate the impact of daily occupational walking steps on the progression of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), a topic hitherto underresearched. The authors analyzed the data from 800 individuals with PTC across stages 0-IV. Participants were evenly divided into 2 distinct occupational groups: office workers and construction workers (N = 400 each). Data included comprehensive records of daily walking steps, demographic information, and clinical indicators. Pearson's correlation coefficients or analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed to assess the linkage between daily walking steps and PTC risk and stage, as well as associated biochemical markers. The analysis revealed a significant inverse relationship between daily walking steps and PTC risk. A higher frequency of daily steps was associated with reduced chances of PTC onset and a lower diagnostic stage of the disease. This protective effect of physical activity was particularly pronounced in the construc- tion worker cohort. Subsequent evaluations showed that construction workers who consistently logged higher daily steps had markedly lower levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, thyroid peroxidase antibody, thyroglobulin antibody, and thy- roglobulin (Tg). Notably, daily walking steps exhibited a strong inverse correlation with body mass index (BMI), age, PTC volumes, and levels of TSH and Tg across both occupational groups (ρ < -0.37). The increase in daily steps was associated with the reduction in PTC stages (p < 0.001). The research underscores the potential benefits of increased daily walking steps, suggesting that they may play a protective role in reducing PTC risk and moderating its progression. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2024;37(1):58-71.

Changes in muscle coordination patterns during 400‐m sprint: Impact of fatigue and performance decline

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to compare the muscle synergies extracted from 14 unilateral lower‐limb and trunk muscles between the first and final parts of a 400‐m sprint in experienced sprinters to understand neuromuscular coordination of multiple muscles in the fatigued condition sprint. Nine male 400‐m sprinters (400‐m personal record: 48.11 ± 1.6 s) performed 400‐m sprints as with the real competition strategy. We defined the first part (100–150 m section) and the final part (350–400 m section), and obtained mean spatiotemporal variables (e.g., running speed, step frequency, and step length) for both parts. Electromyography (EMG) signals were obtained using wireless EMG sensors (2000 Hz) from 14 lower‐limb and trunk muscles. Non‐negative matrix factorization was performed to extract the muscle synergies for both parts. We observed significantly declined spatiotemporal variables in the final part induced by fatigue. The extracted number of synergies was 7.0 ± 0.7 (mean ± SD) for the first part and 7.2 ± 0.4 for the final part with no significant differences between parts. However, we identified specific muscle synergy, and alterations in the individual muscle weightings of several hip muscles (rectus femoris: RF, tensor fasciae latae: TFL, and glutes maximus: Gmax muscles) while there was no change in the muscle weighting of shank muscles and the temporal patterns of all muscles even following fatigue in the 400‐m sprint. Fatigue‐induced performance decline in a 400‐m sprint corresponds to alterations in muscle synergies, particularly in hip muscles, with notable shifts in RF, TFL, and Gmax activation.

Low-force human–human hand interactions induce gait changes through sensorimotor engagement instead of direct mechanical effects

Physical human–robot interactions (pHRI) often provide mechanical force and power to aid walking without requiring voluntary effort from the human. Alternatively, principles of physical human–human interactions (pHHI) can inspire pHRI that aids walking by engaging human sensorimotor processes. We hypothesize that low-force pHHI can intuitively induce a person to alter their walking through haptic communication. In our experiment, an expert partner dancer influenced novice participants to alter step frequency solely through hand interactions. Without prior instruction, training, or knowledge of the expert’s goal, novices decreased step frequency 29% and increased step frequency 18% based on low forces (< 20 N) at the hand. Power transfer at the hands was 3–700 × smaller than what is necessary to propel locomotion, suggesting that hand interactions did not mechanically constrain the novice’s gait. Instead, the sign/direction of hand forces and power may communicate information about how to alter walking. Finally, the expert modulated her arm effective dynamics to match that of each novice, suggesting a bidirectional haptic communication strategy for pHRI that adapts to the human. Our results provide a framework for developing pHRI at the hand that may be applicable to assistive technology and physical rehabilitation, human-robot manufacturing, physical education, and recreation.

Stepped frequency ultrasound computed tomography with waveform inversion

Routine US (ultrasound) scans for breast imaging run on a conventional console suffer from machine and operator dependence and are subject to personal interpretation. Recently, the framework of USCT (ultrasound computed tomography) has emerged as a safe, powerful and operator independent alternative to diagnostic US scans and x-rays mammography. The most known systems employ one circular array or a combination of transmitters and receivers by exploiting reflection, diffraction and transmission data. These systems are based on a pulsed transmission. Following propagation in tissue, the signals are usually recorded with a direct RF sampling scheme and stored as digital time-series. Image reconstruction is performed in the frequency domain in the 400 kHz–1 MHz bandwidth over a limited number of discrete frequencies. In this paper, we propose a new architecture based on the stepped frequency continuous waveform (SFCW) principle. In this scheme, the transmission is a continuous one and the received waveforms undergo a homo-dyne stage. By sequentially transmitting single tones at different frequencies, data can be collected directly in the frequency domain at specific frequencies, with programmable frequency steps and with any desired SNR. We describe in detail the transmitter and the receiver paths and compare with a conventional pulsed USCT architecture. Finally, we highlight the benefits of a SFCW-USCT device and comment on SNR, absorbed power, data fidelity and data storage.

Gait Event Detection and Travel Distance Using Waist-Worn Accelerometers across a Range of Speeds: Automated Approach.

Estimation of temporospatial clinical features of gait (CFs), such as step count and length, step duration, step frequency, gait speed, and distance traveled, is an important component of community-based mobility evaluation using wearable accelerometers. However, accurate unsupervised computerized measurement of CFs of individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) who have progressive loss of ambulatory mobility is difficult due to differences in patterns and magnitudes of acceleration across their range of attainable gait velocities. This paper proposes a novel calibration method. It aims to detect steps, estimate stride lengths, and determine travel distance. The approach involves a combination of clinical observation, machine-learning-based step detection, and regression-based stride length prediction. The method demonstrates high accuracy in children with DMD and typically developing controls (TDs) regardless of the participant's level of ability. Fifteen children with DMD and fifteen TDs underwent supervised clinical testing across a range of gait speeds using 10 m or 25 m run/walk (10 MRW, 25 MRW), 100 m run/walk (100 MRW), 6-min walk (6 MWT), and free-walk (FW) evaluations while wearing a mobile-phone-based accelerometer at the waist near the body's center of mass. Following calibration by a trained clinical evaluator, CFs were extracted from the accelerometer data using a multi-step machine-learning-based process and the results were compared to ground-truth observation data. Model predictions vs. observed values for step counts, distance traveled, and step length showed a strong correlation (Pearson's r = -0.9929 to 0.9986, p < 0.0001). The estimates demonstrated a mean (SD) percentage error of 1.49% (7.04%) for step counts, 1.18% (9.91%) for distance traveled, and 0.37% (7.52%) for step length compared to ground-truth observations for the combined 6 MWT, 100 MRW, and FW tasks. Our study findings indicate that a single waist-worn accelerometer calibrated to an individual's stride characteristics using our methods accurately measures CFs and estimates travel distances across a common range of gait speeds in both DMD and TD peers.

Inter-Limb Asymmetry in the Kinematic Parameters of the Long Jump Approach Run in Female Paralympic-Level Class T63/T64 Athletes

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inter-limb asymmetry in the kinematic parameters of the approach run in elite-level female Class T63/T64 long jumpers and its relationship to performance. Three Class T63 and nine Class T64 female long jumpers were examined during a competition. The temporal and kinematic parameters of their approach steps (step length: SL; step frequency: SF; average step velocity: SV) were measured using a panning video method and speed radar. The symmetry angle was the measure of inter-limb asymmetry. The results revealed that SF and SV were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) larger in the intact lower limb. Significant (p &lt; 0.05) asymmetry was revealed for SL, SF, and SV in 2/12, 3/12, and 1/12 jumpers, respectively. The direction of asymmetry for SF was towards the leg wearing the prosthesis for all examined jumpers. The official jump distance was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) positively correlated with the maximum velocity attained during the approach and negatively correlated with the symmetry angle for SF. It is concluded that the observed asymmetry in SF was compensated for by the modifications observed in the SL that consequently resulted in no asymmetry in SV, leading the participants to effectively utilize their approach speed optimally in terms of long jump performance.

Analyzing the Combination Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Motor Control Training on Balance Function and Gait in Patients with Stroke-Induced Hemiplegia

Objective: To analyze the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with motor control training on the treatment of stroke-induced hemiplegia, specifically focusing on the impact on patients’ balance functionand gait. Methods: Fifty-two cases of hemiplegic stroke patients were randomly divided into two groups, 26 in the control group and 26 in the observation group, using computer-generated random grouping. All participants underwent conventional treatment and rehabilitation training. In addition to these, the control group received repetitive transcranialmagnetic pseudo-stimulation therapy + motor control training, while the observation group received repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy + motor control training. The balance function and gait parameters of both groups were compared before and after the interventions and assessed the satisfaction of the interventions in both groups. Results: Before the invention, there were no significant differences in balance function scores and each gait parameter between the two groups (P &gt; 0.05). However, after the intervention, the observation group showed higher balance function scores compared to the control group (P &lt; 0.05). The observation group also exhibited higher step speed and step frequency, longer step length, and a higher overall satisfaction level with the intervention compared to the control group (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The combination of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and motor control training in the treatment of stroke-induced hemiplegia has demonstrated positive effects. It not only improves the patient’s balance function and gait but also contributes to overall physical rehabilitation.

Enhancement of humanoid robot locomotion on slippery floors using an adaptive controller

AbstractThis paper presents a comprehensive strategy to improve the locomotion performance of humanoid robots on various slippery floors. The strategy involves the implementation and adaptation of a divergent component of motion (DCM) based control architecture for the humanoid NAO, and the introduction of an embedded yaw controller (EYC), which is based on a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control algorithm. The EYC is designed not only to address the slip behavior of the robot on low-friction floors but also to tackle the issue of non-straight walking patterns that we observed in this humanoid, even on non-slippery floors. To fine-tune the PID gains for the EYC, a systematic trial-and-error approach is employed. We iteratively adjusted the P (Proportional), I (Integral), and D (Derivative) parameters while keeping the others fixed. This process allowed us to optimize the PID controller’s response to different walking conditions and floor types. A series of locomotion experiments are conducted in a simulated environment, where the humanoid step frequency and PID gains are varied for each type of floor. The effectiveness of the strategy is evaluated using metrics such as robot stability, energy consumption, and task duration. The results of the study demonstrate that the proposed approach significantly improves humanoid locomotion on different slippery floors, by enhancing stability and reducing energy consumption. The study has practical implications for designing more versatile and effective solutions for humanoid locomotion on challenging surfaces and highlights the adaptability of the existing controller for different humanoid robots.

The effect of harvesting the anterior half of the peroneus longus tendon on foot morphology and gait

Background and objectivesIn anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, the strength of the graft was found to be unsatisfactory usually the anterior half of the peroneus longus tendon was taken for supplementation, but the effect on foot and ankle function and gait in the donor area is unclear. This study aims to explore the changes in the ankle and gait after using the harvested anterior half of the peroneus longus tendon as a reconstruction graft for the anterior cruciate ligament.MethodsA total of 20 patients, 6 males and 14 females, aged 18 to 44 years, with unilateral anterior cruciate ligament injuries, underwent reconstruction using the harvested anterior half of the peroneus longus tendon as a graft between June 2021 and December 2021. The part on which the anterior half of the peroneus longus tendon was harvested was considered the experimental group, while the contralateral foot was the control group. At the 6-month follow-up, the Lysholm knee score, AOFAS ankle score, and gait-related data (foot length, arch index, arch volume, arch volume index, and gait cycle parameters: percentage of time in each gait phase, step frequency, step length, foot strike angle, and push-off angle) were assessed using a 3D foot scanner and wearable sensors for both groups.ResultsAll 20 patients completed the six-month follow-up. There were no statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups regarding knee scores, ankle scores, foot length, arch index, arch volume, arch volume index, step frequency, and step length (P > 0.05). However, there were statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups in terms of the gait cycle parameters, including the percentage of time in the stance, mid-stance, and push-off phases, as well as foot strike angle and push-off angle (P < 0.05).ConclusionThrough our study of the surgical experimental group we have shown that harvesting the anterior half of the peroneus longus tendon does not affect foot morphology and gait parameters; however, it does impact the gait cycle.

A Novel Non-Stationary Clutter Suppression Approach for Space-Based Early Warning Radar Using an Interpulse Multi-Frequency Mode

The non-stationary clutter of space-based early warning radar (SBEWR) is more serious than that of airborne early warning radar. This phenomenon is primarily attributed to the Earth’s rotation and range ambiguity. The increase in clutter degrees of freedom (DOFs) and the significant widening of the clutter suppression notch are not conducive to moving target detection near main lobe clutter. This paper proposes an effective approach to suppress non-stationary clutter based on an interpulse multi-frequency mode for SBEWR. Using the orthogonality of the uniform stepping frequency signal, partial range ambiguity can be effectively suppressed, and the clutter DOFs will be reduced. Subsequently, joint pitch-azimuth-Doppler three-dimensional spacetime adaptive processing and slant range preprocessing are used to perform clutter suppression. This combination not only curtails the estimation error associated with the clutter covariance matrix but also enhances the overall detection capabilities of the system. The simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Treadmill running: how long before soft-tissue vibrations reach a steady state?

The aim of this study was to determine whether a steady state was reached over time in soft-tissue vibrations (STV) when running with different midsole hardness. Kinematics, kinetics and electromyography changes were also investigated in an attempt to be as comprehensive as possible. Forty-five physically active adults (17 females) with experience in treadmill running performed an 8.5 minutes trial at a self-selected speed with soft, medium and hard midsoles. STV of gastrocnemius muscle, kinetics, kinematics and electromyographic activity of gastrocnemius muscle and tibialis anterior were recorded for 30 seconds at minutes 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8. No time effects were found for STV, passive peak, loading rate and leg muscle activity. No significant footwear × time interactions were observed, suggesting that familiarisation is independent of midsole hardness. The fastest adjustments were an increase of foot inversion and active peak within the first 4 minutes respectively before reaching a steady state. Step frequency and vertical stiffness decreased and plateaued at minute 6. Duty factor and contact time increased whereas flight time decreased during the entire running trial. Results indicate that a familiarisation to midsole hardness is not needed for STV reliable measurements. Depending on the other biomechanical parameters assessed, we recommend at least a 6-minute running trial and a longer running trial for contact and flight times assessment.

The effects of social distancing markers on single-file pedestrian movement during the pandemic

Social distancing markers placed on the floor are a commonly used measure by city authorities to remind pedestrians to keep a safe distance during the pandemic. However, little is known about the effects of social distancing markers on pedestrian dynamics. In this paper, we conducted a series of single-file experiments with and without social distancing markers under a prescribed social distance of 1 m. By comparing the trajectories with and without social distancing markers, the two-sided effects of social distancing markers are revealed. Pedestrians have significantly fewer social distance violations and less exposure time with the help of social distancing markers, which can decrease the total infection risk. However, pedestrians under the measure of social distancing markers need longer delay times for velocity-matching behavior; also, lower velocity and specific flow are observed at densities greater than 0.6 m−1, which will increase the queue length. Stepping behavior is further analyzed to reveal the impact mechanism behind the reduction in velocity and specific flow. It is found that pedestrians’ step length is sensitive to social distancing markers, and pedestrians tend to shorten their step length rather than step frequency more rapidly when the markers are implemented. These evidence-based results provide interesting insights for crowd management, and help to develop pedestrian simulation models in preparation for future outbreaks and pandemics.

How does urology work? Evaluation of activity trackers in the assessment of workload and stress burden among employees in the Department of Urology of a German University Hospital: A prospective pilot study.

Workload and stress in excess can lead to work disability. The aim of our study was to determine whether commercially available "activity trackers" can be used to make statements about the work - or stress load of different occupational groups. The study was conducted at the University Hospital Freiburg, Germany. Four occupational groups with a total of 32 subjects were studied: senior physicians (SP, 4), assistant physicians (AP, 11), nursing staff (NS, 12) and administrative staff (AS, 5). The activity trackers were worn on five working days and one day off. Step frequency, distance and heart rate (HR) were measured, and workload was assessed using a visual analog scale. The highest workload was reported by SP, the lowest by AS. Male employees feel higher workload than female employees (p = 0.009). NS covered the greatest daily distance, AP the least (p = 0.001). There was a significant difference in average HF between AP and NS (p = 0.008). AS showed higher daily distance and maximum HF on days off compared to work days, and NS showed the opposite behavior. With increasing patient volume for ambulatory care, the average HF increased (p = 0.037) in NSs. "Activity trackers" reliably provide body data during work. In our small sample, interesting differences and results on workload emerged. More data would require more subjects and more study variables.

Characteristics of walking techniques with different pelvic height and pelvic rotation: effect on muscle activation and energy consumption.

Purpose: Previous studies have proven that modifications in the natural walking technique alter muscle activation and energy consumption. This research aimed to determine the differences in muscle activation, energy consumption, kinematic characteristics, perceived muscular exertion and perceived cardio-respiratory fatigue between natural and modified walking techniques with altered pelvic height and rotation. Methods: Nine physically active, non-injured males walked on a treadmill. Modified walking techniques assumed maintenance of constant pelvic height and application of maximal pelvic rotation. Walking speed was subtransit - 0.4 km/h less than the transit. Sampled variables were: average normalized maximal activation during contact and swing phase relativized to maximal voluntary activation, average submaximal oxygen consumption relativized to body mass and subtransit speed, average step length and frequency, rating of perceived muscular exertion and perceived cardio-respiratory fatigue. Muscle activation, energy consumption and kinematic characteristics were assessed throughout each walking session. Perceived muscular exertion and perceived cardio-respiratory fatigue were evaluated post-session. Electromyographic activity was assessed for rectus femoris, gluteus maximus, vastus medialis, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius lateralis. Results: The most significant changes in muscle activation were observed during the contact phase. A decrease in pelvic height increased muscle activation of rectus femoris, vastus medialis and gastrocnemius lateralis. An increase in pelvic rotation increased muscle activation of all monitored muscles except for gluteus maximus. Both modifications increased energy consumption, perceived muscular exertion and perceived cardio-respiratory fatigue, and altered kinematic characteristics. Conclusions: Modifications in pelvic height and rotation at the same walking speed alter muscle activation, energy consumption, kinematic characteristics, perceived exertion and fatigue.

Weak pulse signal detection method based on improved strongly coupled oscillators

A strongly coupled oscillator can be used to detect weak pulse signals and recover waveforms, but its detection frequency of weak pulse signal is limited by the system’s built-in frequency. With a fixed built-in frequency, the system can only effectively detect and recover pulse signals in a certain frequency range, and waveform distortion occurs when pulse signals of higher frequencies are detected. In this work, the relationship between the built-in frequency of the coupled oscillator and the frequency detection range of weak pulse signal is analyzed, and two kinds of improved strongly coupled oscillator structures are proposed to extend the frequency detection range of weak pulse signals. By introducing the nonlinear restoring force coupling term, the nonlinear restoring force strongly coupled oscillator can effectively retain the high-frequency component of the signal, and can also better retain the signal characteristics when the pulse signal is input at a higher frequency. By introducing the Van der Pol-Duffing oscillator, the two-oscillator strong coupling system strengthens the stability of the internal structure of the system, and also achieves the effect of expanding the frequency detection range of the pulse signal. In addition, based on the variable iteration step size and frequency correlation of chaos detection, a method of detecting unknown frequency pulse signals is proposed. Instead of changing the built-in frequency of the system for frequency scanning, the method of changing the iteration step size is used. And using the frequency correlation of chaos detection, the correlation coefficient of the received signal and the recovered signal is compared with the correlation coefficient of the pure noise input case, then the pulse signals can be effectively detected based on the apparent difference between the two correlation coefficients. It is verified by simulation experiments that the proposed method can effectively detect the pulse signal of unknown frequency, and the proposed improved strong coupling oscillator has a greater performance improvement than that of the strong coupling oscillator.

Multi-Subband-GRFT-based Space Target Imaging Algorithm with Low SNR in Stepped Frequency Carrier LFM Radar

Multi-Subband-GRFT-based Space Target Imaging Algorithm with Low SNR in Stepped Frequency Carrier LFM Radar

Information Technology Integration and Teaching Effectiveness Enhancement Strategies in Public Physical Education Programs

Abstract By integrating a heart rate monitoring module and a step frequency monitoring module, this study aims to use informatization technology to monitor the exercise level of students in public physical education courses and to adjust the teaching methods of public physical education courses based on informatization feedback. A school had 332 students divided into an experimental and control group for comparative experiments. Based on the results of students’ exercise data monitoring by heart rate oximetry module and acceleration sensor, it was found that the exercise density of students in the experimental group (73.3%) was much higher than that of students in the control group (54.4%), which means that the students’ exercise status was better under the informatization teaching mode. During the experimental period, there were significant differences in the average heart rate and MVPA percentage time between the experimental group and the control group students (p&lt;0.05). The results of the physical fitness test showed that the informatization teaching mode significantly improved the student’s performance in body weight, pull-up, and standing long jump events (p&lt;0.05) and significantly improved the student’s performance in lung capacity, sitting and lying forward bends, 50-meter run, and 1000-meter run events (p&lt;0.01).

Rebar detection: Comparison of stepped frequency continuous wave and pulsed GPR

Reinforced concrete structures are widely used in civil engineering owing to their versatility, strength, and durability. One of the most recommended methods for rebar mapping is Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) because of its non-destructive and non-invasive character. In concrete mapping, GPR is mainly used for locating subsurface objects (rebars, tendons, ducts), measuring concrete cover, mapping mesh configuration (spacing), and detecting bottom of slab. To achieve these, concrete scanning GPR practitioners often need very high-resolution images. This work presents a comparison in rebar mapping between two GPR systems with different modulation techniques: Stepped frequency continuous wave (SFCW) and pulsed radar. The SFCW system used has a frequency range of 400-6000 MHz, while the pulsed system used a ground-coupled central frequency antenna of 2.3 GHz. Measurements were conducted on laboratory specimens, with rebar diameters ranging from 8 to 32 mm. Three different specimens were used, with one for calibration and other two to analyze both the horizontal and vertical resolutions of the frequency antennas.

Efficacy of exercise interventions combined with Selegiline in ameliorating freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease patients.

To evaluate the efficacy of exercise interventions combined with Selegiline in ameliorating freezing of gait (FOG) in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. A total of 60 PD patients with FOG treated in the First People's Hospital of Fuyang District from January 2020 to January 2023 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Patients were divided into a control group (n = 28, treated with Selegiline alone) and an observation group (n = 32, treated with Selegiline and exercise interventions). Gait parameters, FOG indices, motor and balance functions, Berg Balance, psychological status, and quality of life were compared between the groups pre- and post-treatment. After treatment, the observation group exhibited longer step length, higher step speed, and lower step frequency (P = 0.000, 0.003, 0.001, respectively), with enhanced balance as indicated by lower Timed Up and Go Test and higher Berg Balance Scale scores than the control group (P = 0.000, 0.000, respectively). The Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety Inventory scores were notably lower in the observation group than those in the control group (P = 0.000, 0.004, respectively). Additionally, the observation group showed better quality of life across several dimensions of the Parkinson's Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire, including mobility, activities of daily living, emotional well-being, stigma, social support, cognition, communication, and bodily discomfort (P = 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.017, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, respectively) than the control group. The combination of exercise interventions and Selegiline effectively rectifies the gait parameters, enhances the balance function, alleviates psychological distress, and improves the overall quality of life in PD patients experiencing FOG.

Plan Prototype Microcontroller based 30 Meter Running Speed Test Equipment

This research aims to produce a 30 meter running speed equipment product athlete North Sumatra which is microcontroller based. It is hoped that this research will be able to overcome the difficulties faced by testers which have so far been carried out manually so that they are effective and effective objectivity The results of this test still cannot be categorized as accurate. This research uses an approach of research and development with the Borg and Gall model which is divided into three stages. The research stages are; (1) Pre-development stage, which one At this stage, a needs analysis is carried out through survey level of tool requirements for users, preparation instrument and consultation to experts. (2) Development stage develop products running speed 30 meters starting from developing initial product manuscripts (manual books), designing digital tools, trials small group, stage I improvement, trials large group, phase II improvement, mass production. (3) Evaluation stage implementation of product results and dissemination product. The results of the analysis from the trial I obtained an average value implementation of Microcontroller-Based 30 Meter Running Speed ​​Test Equipment based on data obtained for the answer "Yes" with a percentage of 81.38% and "No" with a percentage of 18.62%. The results of the analysis of trial II obtained an average value implementation plan prototype digital step frequency measuring test tool based on data obtained for the answer "Yes" with a percentage of 86.08% and "No" with a percentage of 13.92%. The conclusion in this research is that the test tool developed is valid because the calculation uses a digital system.