Prediction of Lower Extremity Injuries Using Lower Limb-worn Inertial Measurement Units

Overview

This study analyses questionnaires and inertial sensor data from 108 sports science students regarding previous lower extremity injuries, sports activity, and preventive measures, combined with the prospective development of an AI-based prediction algorithm. Inertial sensor data were collected during walking and running on a standard 400 m track, with sensors placed on the thighs and ankles, and heart rate recorded via smartwatch. Participants also completed questionnaires on previous injuries, comorbidities, sports activity, and prevention. The aim is to use the anonymized data to identify gait and running patterns associated with prior knee and ankle injuries using AI analysis, and to correlate these findings with sports activity and preventive measures. Hypothesis: Prior lower extremity injuries leave specific gait and running patterns detectable by inertial sensors and AI-based analysis.

In this study, analysis of questionnaires and inertial sensor data from 108 sports science students is conducted with regard to previous injuries of the lower extremities, their sports activities, and a possible association with performed preventive measures, along with the prospective development of an AI-based prediction algorithm to detect prior injuries of the lower extremities. In all participants, inertial sensor data were collected during walking and running on a defined track (5 minutes walking, 5 minutes running, 5 minutes walking on a standard 400 m oval tartan track). Sensors were placed on the lateral aspects of both thighs above the knee joint and on the lateral aspects of both ankles above the lateral malleolus. In addition, participants wore a smartwatch on the left wrist to record heart rate. Furthermore, participants completed questionnaires regarding previous injuries, comorbidities, sports activity, and preventive measures undertaken. The aim of the current analysis is to utilize the anonymized data from questionnaires and inertial sensors to identify gait and running patterns indicative of previous injuries of the lower extremities (knee and ankle) by means of an AI algorithm, and to correlate these findings with reported sports activities and preventive measures. Hypothesis: Previous injuries of the lower extremities (particularly of the knee and ankle) result in specific gait and running patterns measurable by inertial sensors, which can be identified through AI-based analysis.