1. 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:
Smith, Carrie Myers. “Stress Fractures.” Brigham and Women’s Hospital Nucleus Communications. Mar. 11, < Content.asp? fileName=11532.xml&title=Stress%20Fracture>.
“The Original Tune Belt.” Tune Belt Inc Tune Belt Inc. April 29, <
“Data Logger.” MIE Medical Research Ltd MIE Medical Research Ltd. April 29, <
Figure 3: Leg strap
Figure 4 : Complete leg attachment system