Project “MeasuRun” Allows Marathon Runners the Chance to Track Their Movement in the Real World Rather Than a Lab
Enschede, The Netherlands – November 16 – Marathon running is one of the most brutal and unforgiving activities humans can engage in, and it has also been one of the most difficult to study, until now. Thanks to the MTw Awinda inertial sensor technology developed by motion capture leader Xsens, and a project developed by Roessingh Research and Development (RRD), called “MeasuRun”, marathon runners can now record their movements throughout an entire race, and then use that data to study, analyze and potentially improve.
The MeasuRun project, overseen by Jasper Reenalda and Erik Maartens, was created to investigate the effects of fatigue on the individual running technique. Three well-trained distance runners were equipped with Xsens inertial measurement sensors attached to their trunk, pelvis, upper legs, lower legs and feet. The MTw Awinda sensors wirelessly sent their data to a tablet mounted on a bicycle that accompanied the runner, which allowed data from an entire 42.2 kilometers (26.2 miles) marathon to be continuously collected for the first time.
“We’ve been able to collect data in a lab setting before, but there is a significant difference between simulating a marathon and actually running one,” said Jasper Reenalda of RRD. “The data collected should help us to better understand the mechanics of how a body endures a marathon, which in turn could help runners to stave off injuries and reach their goals more effectively.”
The results of the MeasuRun project were recently published in the prestigious Journal of Biomechanics by Reenalda, Maartens, Lotte Homan, and J.H. (Jaap) Buurke).
The data collected during the marathon revealed non-uniform and significant changes in running mechanics for all three subjects. This new data opens up the possibilities for a more in-depth analysis of running mechanics than ever before.
About Xsens
Xsens is the leading innovator in 3D motion tracking technology and products. Its sensor fusion technologies enable a seamless interaction between the physical and the digital world in applications such as industrial control and stabilization, health, sports and 3D character animation. Clients and partners include Electronic Arts, NBC Universal, Daimler, Autodesk, ABB, Siemens and various other leading institutes and companies throughout the world.
Xsens has offices in Enschede, the Netherlands and Los Angeles, California. Please contact us on the web at Xsens.
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Xsens and MVN are registered trademarks or trademarks of Xsens Technologies B.V. and/or its parent, subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the Netherlands, the USA and/or other countries.
Press Contact:
Xsens:
Remco Sikkema, + 31 88 9736700, Remco.sikkema(at)xsens(dot)com
RRD:
Jasper Reenalda PhD.
+31 53 4875726 / j.reenalda(at)rrd(dot)nl
