Biofeedback Gait Retraining under Real-World Running Conditions

Chan, Zoe Yau Shan

Biofeedback Gait Retraining under Real-World Running Conditions

dc.contributor.advisor	Ferber, Reed
dc.contributor.advisor	Tsang, Sharon M. H.
dc.contributor.author	Chan, Zoe Yau Shan
dc.contributor.committeemember	Cheung, Roy T. H.
dc.contributor.committeemember	Boyd, Jeffery E.
dc.contributor.committeemember	Roach, Koren E.
dc.contributor.committeemember	Kong, Veni P. W.
dc.date	2023-11
dc.date.accessioned	2023-08-24T16:57:21Z
dc.date.available	2023-08-24T16:57:21Z
dc.date.issued	2023-08
dc.description.abstract	Gait retraining has been used as an intervention to mitigate the risk of injuries among distance runners. Lab-based gait retraining has demonstrated promising results in changing biomechanical parameters associated with injuries. However, there was limited evidence that supports the transfer of training effect to conditions that resemble real-world running. The main objective of this thesis was to optimize the training protocol for training under real-world conditions and five studies were conducted to address three specific aims: 1) identify the limitations of conventional training protocols, 2) assess habitual gait adaptations in real-world running, and 3) establish the technical specifications for gait assessment using wearables. Regarding the first specific aim, two studies were conducted to examine the transfer of training effect to untrained conditions, including overground and slopes. Results of both studies suggested incomplete transfer, hence, gait retraining along overground running routes with slopes was recommended. For the second specific aim, our third study examined the natural biomechanical adaptations along slopes. Differences in speed and cadence were observed between various slope conditions from real-world training data. As these changes could potentially affect training, an adaptive feedback model was recommended. Tibial acceleration can be measured using wearables and is a common outcome measure for gait retraining. The fourth and fifth studies addressed the third specific aim and presented the technical considerations required for accurate and reliable tibial acceleration measurements under conditions that resemble real-world running. Based on the findings, it was recommended to use wearables with an accelerometer operating range wider than ±16-g and to measure a minimum of 100 consecutive strides during each condition. Finally, a gait retraining protocol for training under real-world conditions was proposed based on the findings of the five studies and was evaluated. The evaluation study has demonstrated the feasibility of using adaptive feedback in real-world training using wearables. Reduction of tibial acceleration was observed after the training in various slope conditions. Overall, the findings of this thesis provided insights for further optimization of the gait retraining protocol and future development of feedback systems suitable for use under real-world conditions.
dc.identifier.citation	Chan, Z. Y. S. (2023). Biofeedback gait retraining under real-world running conditions (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.
dc.identifier.uri	https://hdl.handle.net/1880/116892
dc.identifier.uri	https://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/41734
dc.language.iso	en
dc.publisher.faculty	Kinesiology
dc.publisher.institution	University of Calgary
dc.rights	University of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.
dc.subject	Biomechanics
dc.subject.classification	Rehabilitation and Therapy
dc.subject.classification	Health Sciences
dc.title	Biofeedback Gait Retraining under Real-World Running Conditions
dc.type	doctoral thesis
thesis.degree.discipline	Kinesiology
thesis.degree.grantor	University of Calgary
thesis.degree.name	Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
ucalgary.thesis.accesssetbystudent	I do not require a thesis withhold – my thesis will have open access and can be viewed and downloaded publicly as soon as possible.