Comment on “Hurdle Clearance Detection and Spatiotemporal Analysis in 400 Meters Hurdles Races Using Shoe-Mounted Magnetic and Inertial Sensor”

Abstract

The recent paper “Hurdle Clearance Detection and Spatiotemporal Analysis in 400 Meters Hurdles Races Using Shoe-Mounted Magnetic and Inertial Sensor” (Sensors 2020, 20, 354) proposes a wearable system based on a foot-worn miniature inertial measurement unit (MIMU) and different methods to detect hurdle clearance and to identify the leading leg during 400-m hurdle races. Furthermore, the presented system identifies changes in contact time, flight time, running speed, and step frequency throughout the race. In this comment, we discuss the original paper with a focus on the ecological validity and the applicability of MIMU systems for field-based settings, such as training or competition for elite athletes.