Wearable Gait Analysis is Highly Sensitive in Detection of Fatigue-Induced Exercise in Low Intensity Training Among University Football Players

Abstract

Gait analysis is crucial for understanding human movement patterns and detecting changes induced by factors such as fatigue. Fatigue can significantly impact gait dynamics, especially in athletes engaged in low-intensity training sessions like university football players. This study aimed to investigate the sensitivity of wearable sensors in detecting fatigue induced by low-intensity football training among university players. Twenty healthy male university football players participated in the study, undergoing gait analysis using wearable sensors before and after a 90-minute football training session. Data were collected using shoe-type IMU sensors for gait analysis, GPS trackers for exercise monitoring, and heart rate monitors for heart rate assessment. Participants also reported their perceived exertion using the Borg RPE scale. Results showed significant changes in various gait parameters post-exercise, including decreased cadence, increased percentage of double support, decreased percentage of single support, and increased time of toe-off. However, parameters like stride length remained unchanged. Center of gravity parameters did not show significant differences except for an increase in the ML(Y) acceleration post-exercise. The study suggests that even low to moderate-intensity exercise can induce fatigue, impacting walking dynamics. Wearable IMU sensors proved highly sensitive in detecting accumulated fatigue, even in low-intensity exercises, providing valuable insights into athletes’ physical deterioration during daily activities. This method could be crucial for monitoring fatigue and preventing injuries among athletes engaged in various sports activities. Further research is recommended to explore the impact of fatigue on other gait features and to evaluate gender differences. Additionally, examining muscle phosphocreatine readings could provide further insights into fatigue-related changes in gait. Nonetheless, the study highlights the effectiveness of wearable IMU sensor gait tests in detecting fatigue induced by low to moderate-intensity exercises, emphasizing the importance of monitoring fatigue for injury prevention and performance optimization in athletes.