Transfer learning effects of biofeedback running retraining in untrained conditions

Janet Hanwen Zhang, Zoe Yau-Shan Chan, Ivan Pui-Hung Au, Winko Wenkang An, Peter Bradley Shull, Roy Tsz-Hei Cheung

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose: Running gait retraining via peak tibial shock biofeedback has been previously shown to reduce impact loading and mitigate running-related symptoms. In previous research, peak tibial shock is typically measured and trained for one limb at a single constant training speed during all training sessions. The goal of this study was to determine how runners transfer learning in the trained limb to the untrained limb at different unconstrained speeds. Methods: Thirteen runners (3 females, age = 41.1 ± 6.9 yr, running experience = 6.8 ± 4.4 yr, weekly running distance = 30.7 ± 22.2 km) underwent running gait biofeedback retraining via continuous tibial acceleration measured at the right distal tibia. Before and after the training, participants were asked to run at their self-selected constrained training speeds (2.8 ± 0.2 m·s−1 ) and at 110% and 90% of the training speed. Pretraining and posttraining peak tibial shock values for each limb were compared. Results: Participants reduced peak tibial shock in the trained limb by 35% to 37% (P < 0.05, Cohen’s d = 0.78–0.85), and in the untrained limb by 20% to 23% (P < 0.05, Cohen’s d = 0.51–0.71) across the three testing speeds. The reduction was not significantly different between the trained and untrained limbs (P = 0.31–0.79, Cohen’s d = 0.18–0.45). Similarly, there was no difference in peak tibial shock reduction among the three running speeds (P = 0.48–0.61, Cohen’s d = 0.06–0.45). Conclusion: Participants demonstrated transfer learning effects evidenced by concomitant reduced peak tibial shock in the untrained limb, and the learning effects were retrained when running at a 10% variance of the training speed.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1904-1908
Number of pages5
JournalMedicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
Volume51
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019

Keywords

  • accelerometers
  • gait
  • motor learning
  • running
  • speed
  • symmetry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Transfer learning effects of biofeedback running retraining in untrained conditions'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this