Bas Van Hooren, Guy Plasqui, Kenneth Meijer
Journal: The American journal of sports medicine 2024;52(3):750-765
PMID: 38287728
Running is a popular form of exercise, but many recreational runners experience injuries, often due to poor running technique or repeated stress on joints. Wearable devices, such as pressure-sensitive insoles, can provide real-time feedback to help runners adjust how they move. This randomised control trial was conducted to determine whether this type of feedback could reduce injury risk and improve running performance.
The results showed that runners who received real-time feedback were able to adjust aspects of their running technique. Some improvements in running performance were observed, and there was evidence suggesting a reduction in injury risk compared to the control group. However, the benefits varied between individuals, indicating that not all runners responded in the same way.
In conclusion, wearable devices providing real-time feedback may support safer running techniques and modest improvements in performance. Healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists and sports practitioners, may use this technology to support injury prevention strategies and guide movement training in recreational runners.
BACKGROUND
Running technique and running speed are considered important risk factors for running injuries. Real-time feedback on running technique and running speed by wearables may help reduce injury risk.
PURPOSE
To investigate whether real-time feedback on spatiotemporal metrics and relative speed by commercially available pressure-sensitive insoles would reduce running injuries and improve running performance compared with no real-time feedback.
STUDY DESIGN
Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.
METHODS
A total of 220 recreational runners were randomly assigned into the intervention and control groups. Both groups received pressure-sensitive insoles, but only the intervention group received real-time feedback on spatiotemporal metrics and relative speed. The feedback aimed to reduce loading on the joint/segment estimated to exhibit the highest load. Injury rates were compared between the groups using Cox regressions. Secondary outcomes compared included injury severity, the proportion of runners with multiple injuries, changes in self-reported personal best times and motivation (Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2), and interest in continuing wearable use after study completion.
RESULTS
A total of 160 participants (73%) were included in analyses of the primary outcome. Intention-to-treat analysis showed no significant difference in injury rate between the groups (Hazard ratio [HR], 1.11; .70). This was expected, as 53 of 160 (33%) participants ended up in the unassigned group because they used incorrect wearable settings, nullifying any interventional effects. As-treated analysis showed a significantly lower injury rate among participants receiving real-time feedback (HR, 0.53; .03). Similarly, the first-time injury severity was significantly lower (-0.43; .042). Per-protocol analysis showed no significant differences in injury rates, but the direction favored the intervention group (HR, 0.67; .30). There were no significant differences in the proportion of patients with multiple injuries (HR, 0.82; .40) or changes in running performance (3.07%; .26) and motivation. Also, ~60% of the participants who completed the study showed interest in continuing wearable use.
CONCLUSION
Real-time feedback on spatiotemporal metrics and relative speed provided by commercially available instrumented insoles may reduce the rate and severity of injuries in recreational runners. Feedback did not influence running performance and exercise motivation.
REGISTRATION
NL8472 (Dutch Trial Register).
Full Text Sources:
© Copyright 2026, Nutrition Evidence
NED wishes to thank the following organisations for their support:
We use cookies to improve your experience and analyze site traffic with Google Analytics. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more.