Using a wireless inertial sensor to measure tibial shock during running : agreement with a skin mounted sensor

Monitoring and feedback of tibial shock using wireless skin mounted sensors could reduce the risk of injury in runners. The purpose of this study was to assess the agreement between a wireless sensor and a skin mounted accelerometer in measuring peak tibial acceleration during running. A skin mounted laboratory standard accelerometer was mounted to a wireless inertial sensor and attached to the tibia. Peak positive tibial accelerations of 13 participants were compared at 2.5 ms-1, 3.5 ms-1 and 4.5 ms-1. Intraclass correlation coefficient demonstrated good agreement. Limits of agreement showed accuracy to within 1.2 – 1.65 g. The inertial sensor can be used as a tool to measure peak tibial accelerations during running for the purpose of real-time feedback in a gait training system.