Measuring Running Parameters with GPS and Infrared Mat
Author Information
Author(s): Provot Thomas, Millot Benjamin, Hazotte Eline, Rousseau Thomas, Slawinski Jean
Primary Institution: EPF–Engineering School
Hypothesis
A GPS unit with an IMU will accurately measure spatiotemporal parameters during sprints.
Conclusion
The GPS-IMU system accurately measured spatiotemporal parameters across different running velocities, demonstrating low relative errors and high precision.
Supporting Evidence
- The GPS-IMU system showed a very large agreement with the reference system for step frequency (r2 = 0.92).
- The step length measured by the GPS unit had a very large correlation with the reference system (r2 = 0.91).
- The step velocity computed using the GPS unit was very close to that measured with the infrared mat (r2 = 0.99).
- The average relative errors for step frequency, step length, and step velocity were less than 5%.
- The study demonstrated that GPS-IMU systems can provide comprehensive spatiotemporal data for training and competition.
Takeaway
This study shows that a special GPS device can help coaches measure how fast and far runners step, making it easier to improve their performance.
Methodology
Five experienced male runners performed six 40 m sprints at three different speeds while using a GPS-IMU system and an optical system as a reference.
Potential Biases
Potential inaccuracies in measuring the first steps due to the GPS unit's position.
Limitations
The study's participants were not high-level sprinters, which may have influenced the results.
Participant Demographics
Five male recreational runners, average weight 71.63 kg and height 182.2 cm.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website