Estimation of ground reaction force waveforms during fixed pace running outside the laboratory

Abstract

In laboratory experiments, biomechanical data collections with wearable technologies and machine learning have been promising. Despite the development of lightweight portable sensors and algorithms for the identification of gait events and estimation of kinetic waveforms, machine learning models have yet to be used to full potential. We propose the use of a Long Short Term Memory network to map inertial data to ground reaction force data gathered in a semi-uncontrolled environment. Fifteen healthy runners were recruited for this study, with varied running experience: novice to highly trained runners (<15 min 5 km race), and ages ranging from 18 to 64 years old. Force sensing insoles were used to measure normal foot-shoe forces, providing the standard for identification of gait events and measurement of kinetic waveforms. Three inertial measurement units (IMUs) were mounted to each participant, two bilaterally on the dorsal aspect of the foot and one clipped to the back of each participant's waistband, approximating their sacrum. Data input into the Long Short Term Memory network were from the three IMUs and output were estimated kinetic waveforms, compared against the standard of the force sensing insoles. The range of RMSE for each stance phase was from 0.189–0.288 BW, which is similar to multiple previous studies. Estimation of foot contact had an r2 = 0.795. Estimation of kinetic variables varied, with peak force presenting the best output with an r2 = 0.614. In conclusion, we have shown that at controlled paces over level ground a Long Short Term Memory network can estimate 4 s temporal windows of ground reaction force data across a range of running speeds.