Sports Technology — all lessons
Module 1 – Introduction
Evolution and role of technology in sportImpact on training, recovery and competitionCase studies: technology in Olympic and elite sportModule 2 – Biomechanics & Motion Capture
Biomechanics basics for technology usersMotion analysis tools: cameras, sensors and appsForce plates (e.g. VALD ForceDecks)Reaction-light systems (e.g. BlazePod)DynamometryRunning gait analysis (e.g. GaitON)Timing and jump systems (e.g. Hyperlab)Module 3 – Wearables & Monitoring
Types of wearables: GPS and heart-rate monitorsInterpreting speed, load, fatigue and HRV dataIntegrating wearable data into trainingModule 4 – Performance Testing & Analytics
Performance testing and analytics workflowsRunning gait analysis (e.g. GaitON)
Analysing running gait with video and sensors — key variables, evidence on injury risk factors, cadence retraining and cautious interpretation.
Learning objectives
- Film and analyse running gait reliably
- Identify key kinematic and kinetic variables
- Summarise evidence on gait and running injuries
- Apply cadence and technique changes cautiously
Before this lesson
Why this matters
Gait analysis is popular for runners, but interpretation requires caution.
Key variables
| Variable | Notes |
|---|---|
| Cadence | Steps per minute |
| Foot strike | Rearfoot, midfoot, forefoot |
| Overstride | Foot far ahead of centre of mass |
| Contralateral pelvic drop | Frontal-plane hip control |
| Knee flexion at contact | Shock absorption |
| Vertical oscillation | Up–down movement |
Evidence
Biomechanical risk factors for running injuries show limited and mixed evidence, varying by injury [ceyssens2019]. Increasing step rate by 5–10% reduced knee and hip loading [heiderscheit2011].
Tools
Treadmill video, pressure insoles, IMUs, markerless systems [colyer2018].
Practice
Change only when linked to symptoms or goals; use a metronome; small changes; monitor symptoms and progress over weeks.
Common mistakes and misconceptions
Case study
A runner with knee pain shows large overstride at 158 steps/min. A gradual increase to 170 steps/min over 6 weeks, with strength work, reduces pain.
Further learning: video lessons
Video links are only marked “verified” after a human has watched them. Unverified entries open a YouTube search for that channel and topic rather than a guessed link.
Running gait analysis (e.g. GaitON)
sport science practitioners and manufacturers’ education channels (search)
You will understand: running gait analysis (e.g. gaiton)
Why: Practitioner content; verify the specific video and be aware of commercial bias.
Validity and reliability explained
sport science practitioners and manufacturers’ education channels (search)
You will understand: judging measurement quality
Why: Practitioner content; verify the specific video and be aware of commercial bias.
Knowledge check
Knowledge check · 0/5
1. Heiderscheit et al. (2011) found increasing step rate…
2. Ceyssens et al. (2019) concluded evidence for biomechanical injury risk factors in running is…
3. Overstride means…
4. Gait retraining should be…
5. A typical cadence change trialled is…
Short-answer & application questions
- Film a runner using a protocol and measure cadence.
- Identify three variables and their relevance.
- Plan a gradual cadence retraining.
Key takeaways
- Common variables: cadence, foot strike, overstride, knee and hip angles, pelvic drop, vertical oscillation.
- Evidence links some biomechanical factors to specific injuries, but findings are mixed.
- Increasing step rate by 5–10% reduces loads at the knee and hip.
- Change technique gradually and only when there is a reason.
Connected topics
Hybrid running strategies
corrective exerciseKnee
prehab rehabInjury prevention programmes
This is the canonical lesson for: Biomechanics & Movement → Movement Analysis
References
- Ceyssens L, Vanelderen R, Barton C, Malliaras P, Dingenen B (2019). Biomechanical risk factors associated with running-related injuries: a systematic review. Sports Medicine, 49(7):1095–1115. Systematic review check pending
- Heiderscheit BC, Chumanov ES, Michalski MP, Wille CM, Ryan MB (2011). Effects of step rate manipulation on joint mechanics during running. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 43(2):296–302. RCT check pending
- Colyer SL, Evans M, Cosker DP, Salo AIT (2018). A review of the evolution of vision-based motion analysis and the integration of advanced computer vision methods towards developing a markerless system. Sports Medicine – Open, 4:24. Narrative review check pending
Educational content only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis or treatment.