Using wearable technology data to explain recreational running injury: A prospective longitudinal feasibility study

Neal, Bradley S.; Bramah, Christopher; McCarthy-Ryan, Molly F.; Moore, Isabel S.; Napier, Christopher; Paquette, Max R.; Gruber, Allison H.

Abstract

Objectives Investigate 1) if collecting and analysing wristwatch inertial measurement unit (IMU) and global positioning system (GPS) data using a commercially-available training platform was feasible in recreational runners and 2) which variables were associated with subsequent injury. Design Prospective longitudinal cohort. Participants Healthy recreational runners. Main outcome measures We set a priori feasibility thresholds for recruitment (maximum six-months), acceptance (minimum 80%), adherence (minimum 70%), and data collection (minimum 80%). Participants completed three patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) detailing their psychological health, sleep quality, and intrinsic motivation to run. We extracted baseline anthropometric, biomechanical, metabolic, and training load data their IMU/GPS wristwatch for analysis. Participants completed a weekly injury status surveillance questionnaire over the next 12-weeks. Feasibility outcomes were analysed descriptively and injured versus non-injured group differences with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for PROM/IMU/GPS data. Results 149 participants consented; 86 participants completed (55 men, 31 women); 21 developed an injury (0.46 injuries/1000 km). Feasibility outcomes were satisfied (recruitment = 47 days; acceptance = 133/149 [89%]; adherence = 93/133 [70%]; data collection = 86/93 [92%]). Acute load by calculated effort was associated with subsequent injury (mean difference −562.14, 95% CI -1019.42, −21.53). Conclusion Collecting and analysing wristwatch IMU/GPS data using a commercially-available training platform was feasible in recreational runners.

Citation

Neal, B. S., Bramah, C., McCarthy-Ryan, M. F., Moore, I. S., Napier, C., Paquette, M. R., & Gruber, A. H. (2024). Using wearable technology data to explain recreational running injury: A prospective longitudinal feasibility study. Physical Therapy in Sport, '65, 130-136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ptsp.2023.12.010

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 27, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Dec 30, 2023
• Publication Date: 2024-01
• Deposit Date: Jan 4, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 8, 2024
• Journal: Physical Therapy in Sport
• Print ISSN: 1466-853X
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: '65
• Pages: 130-136
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ptsp.2023.12.010
• Keywords: Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation; Orthopedics and Sports Medicine; General Medicine