Download PDF
Int J Sports Med 2009; 30(5): 354-359
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1105936
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Accuracy and Repeatability of the Polar® RS800sd to Evaluate Stride Rate and Running Speed

C. Hausswirth 1 , Y. Le Meur 1 , 2 , A. Couturier 1 , T. Bernard 2 , J. Brisswalter 2
  • 1Laboratory of Biomechanics and Physiology, Research Department, INSEP, Paris, France
  • 2Department of Ergonomics, Handibio Laboratory, University of Toulon Var, Toulon, France
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision October 9, 2008

Publication Date:
10 March 2009 (online)

Also available at
    Permissions and Reprints

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and the repeatability of a new running computer system (RS800sd, Polar®, Kempele, Finland) which included the measurement of running speed (RS) and stride rate (SR). Eight well-trained triathletes participated in this study. First, they completed an incremental continuous maximum test on a treadmill (from 12 km.h−1 to 18 km.h−1) at 0% grade. Then the subjects took part in a second test to determine RS800sd intra-reproducibility to evaluate running speed. They ran twice during 5 min at a pace corresponding to their maximal lactate steady-state. During these two tests, RS and SR were recorded by the RS800sd system, by an optical sensor system (for RS) and a force-sensitive device (for SR). No difference was found between the RS800sd system and the reference systems both for RS (ICC=0.95) and SR (ICC=0.69). Moreover RS measures were statistically repeatable. This study provided evidence for the validity of the RS800sd system for measuring the kinematic characteristics of running (speed and frequency). Further investigations are needed to replicate these findings at lower running speeds, notably during walking to assess its capacity to evaluate physical activity in natural conditions.

Key words

running - stride frequency - stride length - validation

References

  • 1 Atkinson G, Davison R, Jeukendrup A, Passfield L. Science and cycling: current knowledge and future directions for research.  J Sports Sci. 2003;  21 767-787
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 2 Bernard T, Vercruyssen T, Grego F, Hausswirth C, Lepers R, Vallier JM, Brisswalter J. Effect of cycling cadence on subsequent 3 km running performance in well trained triathletes.  Br J Sport Med. 2003;  37 154-159
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 3 Billat VL, Slawinski J, Danel M, Koralzstein JP. Effect of free versus constant pace on performance and oxygen kinetics in running.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2001;  33 2082-2088
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 4 Bland JM, Altman DG. Statistical methods for assessing agreement bet-ween two methods of clinical measurement.  Lancet. 1986;  ;. 1 307-310
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 5 Bouten CV, Westerterp KR, Verduin M, Janssen JD. Assessment of energy expenditure for physical activity using a triaxial accelerometer.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1994;  26 1516-1523
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 6 Brage S, Wedderkopp N, Franks PW, Andersen LB, Froberg K. Reexamination of validity and reliability of the CSA monitor in walking and running.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2003;  35 1447-1454
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 7 Brisswalter J, Legros P. Comparaison du coût énergétique dans une population de coureurs de moyennes, de longues distances.  Sci Sports. 1992;  7 43-49
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 8 Cavagna GA, Thys H, Zamboni A. The sources of external work in level walking and running.  J Physiol. 1976;  262 639-657
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 9 Crouter SE, Schneider PL, Karabulut M, Bassett  DR Jr. Validity of 10 electronic pedometers for measuring steps, distance, and energy cost.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2003;  35 1455-1460
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 10 Crouter SE, Albright C, Bassett  DR Jr. Accuracy of polar S410 heart rate monitor to estimate energy cost of exercise.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2004;  36 1433-1439
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 11 Elliott BC, Roberts AD. A biomechanical evaluation of the role of fatigue in middle-distance running.  Can J Appl Sport Sci. 1980;  5 203-207
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 12 Eslinger DW, Probert A, Gorber SC, Bryan S, Laviolette M, Tremblay MS. Validity of the Actical accelerometer step-count function.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2007;  39 1200-1204
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 13 Eston RG, Lemmey AB, MacHugh P, Byrne C, Walsh SE. Effect of stride length on symptoms of exercise-induced muscle damage during a repeated bout of downhill running.  Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2000;  10 199-204
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 14 Gardner AS, Stephens S, Martin DT, Lawton E, Lee H, Jenkins D. Accuracy of SRM and power tap power monitoring systems for bicycling.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2004;  36 1252-1258
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 15 Hausswirth C, Lehénaff D. Physiological demands of long distance running.  Sports Med. 2001;  31 678-689
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 16 Högberg P. How do stride length and stride frequency influence the energy-output during running?.  Arbeitsphysiologie. 1952;  14 437-441
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 17 Howley ET, Bassett Jr DR, Welch HG. Criteria for maximal oxygen uptake: review and commentary.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1995;  27 1292-1301
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 18 Hunter I, Smith G. Preferred and optimal stride frequency, stiffness and economy: changes with fatigue during a 1-h high-intensity run.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 2007;  100 653-661
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 19 Jones FP, Hanson JA. Fatigue effects on patterns of movement.  Ergonomics. 1971;  14 391-410
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 20 Mac Naughton LR, Sherman R, Roberts S, Bentley DJ. Portable gas analyser Cosmed K4b2 compared to a laboratory based mass spectrometer system.  J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2005;  45 315-323
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 21 Mastroianni GR, Zupan MF, Chuba DM, Berger RC, Wile AL. Voluntary pacing and energy cost of off-road cycling and running.  Appl Ergon. 2000;  31 479-485
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 22 Nelson RC, Gregor RJ. Biomechanics of distance running: a longitudinal study.  Res Q. 1976;  47 417-428
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 23 Nummela AT, Leena L, Paavolainen M, Sharwood KA, Lambert MI, Noakes TD, Rusko HK. Neuromuscular factors determining 5 km running performance and running economy in well-trained athletes.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 2006;  97 1-8
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 24 O’Toole ML, Douglas PS, Hiller WD. Use of heart rate monitors by endurance athletes: lessons from triathletes.  J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 1998;  38 181-187
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 25 Pyne DB, Boston T, Martin DT, Logan A. Evaluation of the Lactate Pro blood lactate analyser.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 2000;  82 112-116
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 26 St Clair Gibson A, Lambert EV, Rauch LH, Tucker R, Baden DA, Foster C, Noakes TD. The role of information processing between the brain and peripheral physiological systems in pacing and perception of effort.  Sports Med. 2006;  36 705-722
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 27 Saito M, Kobayani K, Miyashita M, Hoshikawa T. Temporal patterns in running. In: Nelson RC, Morehouse CA, eds. Biomechanics IV. Baltimore: University Park Press 1974: 106-111
    Google Scholar
  • 28 Smith DJ, Norris SR, Hogg JM. Performance evaluation of swimmers: scientific tools.  Sports Med. 2002;  32 539-554
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 29 Snutz Y, Herren R. Assessment of speed of human locomotion using a differential satellite global positioning system.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2000;  32 642-646
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 30 Snyder AC, Woulfe T, Welsh R, Foster C. A simplified approach to estimating the maximal lactate steady state.  Int J Sports Med. 1994;  5 255-261
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 31 Taylor CR. Force development during sustained locomotion: a determinant of gait speed and metabolic power.  J Exp Biol. 1985;  115 253-262
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 32 Townshend AD, Worringham CJ, Stewart IB. Assessment of speed and position during human locomotion using non-differential GPS.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2008;  40 124-132
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 33 Tucker R, Lambert MI, Noakes TD. An analysis of pacing strategies during men's world-record performances in track athletics.  Int J Sports Physiol Perf. 2006;  1 233-245
    PubMedGoogle Scholar

Correspondence

Prof. C.Hausswirth 

Laboratory of Biomechanics and Physiology

Research Department INSEP

11 avenue du Tremblay

75012 Paris

France

Phone: +33/141/74 43 85

Fax: +33/141/74 45 35

Email: christophe.hausswirth@insep.fr

      >