Using wearable technology to measure running gait

Wearable Technology as an Objective Tool for Measuring Running Gait

Observational Northumbria University · NCT05277181

This study is testing if special sports socks can accurately measure how people run compared to traditional methods, and it's for recreational runners in the North East of England.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorNorthumbria University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Newcastle upon Tyne)
Trial IDNCT05277181 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to validate the DANU Sports Socks by comparing its measurements of running gait against traditional assessment methods like 3D motion capture. The study will recruit 40 recreational runners from the North East of England and utilize a multimodal assessment approach to gather data on running mechanics. By assessing the validity and reliability of the wearable technology, the study seeks to provide insights into injury mechanisms and performance outcomes in a natural running environment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are recreational runners aged 18 to 70 who can run 5km without stopping and participate in running at least twice a week.

Not a fit: Patients with medical conditions affecting their running gait safety or those unable to comply with the testing protocol may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a reliable and objective method for assessing running gait, potentially leading to better injury prevention and performance enhancement for runners.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using wearable technology for gait analysis, but the specific application of the DANU Sports Socks is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Aged 18 - 70 years. English as a first language or fluency. Able to run 5km without stopping. Take part in running of some form at least twice per week (e.g., 5km run).

Exclusion Criteria:

Medical history of disability that affects running gait safety or ability to follow instructions/tasks.

Known illness or disease that would prevent their participation in strenuous physical activities (e.g., cardio-respiratory conditions or acute COVID-19).

If the participant is unable to comply with the testing protocol, they will not be recruited.

Where this trial is running

Newcastle upon Tyne

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions WalkingRunningGaitGait AnalysisWearable Technology
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.