Field Measurements of Running Impacts Amanda Feest, Chelsea Wanta, Matt Kudek, Lindsey Carlson, Nicole Daehn Advisor: Paul Thompson, Client: Bryan Heiderscheit Current Set-up Abstract Final Design The current set-up includes a treadmill and a video camera. Our client aims the camera at the runner’s feet and legs and studies the impacts. Data logger and uniaxial accelerometer Belt holds data logger Tester includes a vertical dowel Spring increases the forces Anticipated data: The purpose of this project was to create a portable system that records tibial acceleration data to measure the impacts of running. This device includes a lightweight accelerometer which records to a data logger. Acceleration data is then used to assess and treat running-related concerns. The device also requires an attachment system to ensure the components are secured to the runner. Finally, a testing system was designed to verify the data from the accelerometer. Figure 6 : Data Logger (MIE Medical Research Ltd.) Figure 5 : Belt for Data Logger (Tune Belt Inc.) Problem Definition Acceleration vs. Time Time Upward Acceleration Downward Acceleration Time interval when tester hits force plate Acc. due to gravity and spring Acc. due to gravity Oscillations due to elasticity of collision Figure 2: Client’s current clinical set-up. Stress fractures are one of the most common running injuries Up to 50% of all runners suffer from stress fractures, many of which occur in the tibia High impacts are thought to increase the risk for stress fractures Current set-up does not include any quantitative analysis of the impacts Our client wants a portable system that can record data in the field The data will be brought back to the lab for analysis For research, the client uses accelerometers to measure the impacts on the tibia He hopes to implement a similar system for clinical studies Design Criteria Data logger worn on waist Lightweight accelerometer attached to leg Attachment system for the data logger and accelerometer Entire system should be portable Device must not interfere with the runner’s gait Force vs. Time Time Force Time interval when tester hits force plate Equilibrium between force plate and device Figure 7 : Anticipated Graphs Final Design Future Work Adjustable leg strap secures accelerometer 3” elastic band secured with Velcro ® Athletic tape secures wires on leg Reverse engineer and calibrate the accelerometer Design a microcomputer to replace the data logger Wireless capabilities, with possibility of displaying data on a watch Figure 1: Anatomy of a typical stress fracture (Smith). References Milner et al. Biomechanical factors associated with tibial stress fractures in female runners. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2006;38:323-328. Smith, Carrie Myers. “Stress Fractures.” Brigham and Women’s Hospital. 2005. Nucleus Communications. Mar. 11, 2007. <http://healthgate.partners.org/browsing/browse Content.asp? fileName=11532.xml&title=Stress%20Fracture>. “The Original Tune Belt.” Tune Belt Inc. 2007 Tune Belt Inc. April 29, 2007. <http://www.tunebelt.com>. “Data Logger.” MIE Medical Research Ltd. 2004 MIE Medical Research Ltd. April 29, 2007. <http://www.mie-uk.com/datalogger/index.html>. Figure 3: Leg strap Figure 4 : Complete leg attachment system