Measuring running Speed
One of the current physiology lab work look into predicting performance by measuring max velocity over 50m and Sub max effort on the treadmill
To measure the maximum velocity of an individual, it was proposed on the paper to use timing gate as a valid measure. As we have only 5 pairs of timing gates available, they will be placed 5m apart after 25m (according to research, max speed of most individual is achieved around 37m ).
One of my lab mate, Lap Yin feels that a more accurate yet feasible method of achieving the maximum velocity is using video analysis by Silicon Coach. The procedure is as follows:
1. Set up the camera with a vision of 20m (25m to 45m of the 50m run).
2. A person carrying a metre ruler will stand in between the 20m vision to allow for later calibration.
3. Capture the subjects' 50m trials
4. Playback the trials and analysis the data on Silicon coach
5. Using the metre ruler, the captured video will be calibrated. Next, we will predetermined a point(heel of his foot strike) on the subject's body which we will used consistently to mark out the displacement he has covered. Silicon Coach will automatically generate the distance covered and the speed he achieved within that dermarcated distance.
AAR(After action review)
1. Area of improvement
- Better camera can be used to obtain better video quality so ambiguity due to blurred distorted pixel can be further rule out.
- 2 or more synchronised cameras can be used in tandem so we can cover a wider area so we can probably analysis the entire running sequence.
- Use a more prominent marker that can be viewed from far and attached it to a body part (i.e greater trochanter) which has lesser variable movement during running.
Lap Yin and I feel that it is a more reliable measure of maximum velocity as compared to the 5 pairs of timing gates available. However, it is not known if it is a valid measure. Any comments?
Brief introduction of Timing gate
Timing gates are very valuable tools for the exercise physiologist for timing measurement during fitness testing. Timing gates are most widely used for sprint testing, though many systems can be used for other applications such as vertical jump and reaction time.
Uses
There are several types of timing gates made specifically to measure running speed in fitness testing. Compared to the alternative of using a stopwatch, the timing gate provides an accurate and reliable measure of speed.
Using infra-red signal and detectors, the gates record when the beam is broken. Using different configurations, the gates should be able to be used for single sprint, repeat sprints, running back and forth through same gate, and multiple people sprinting in different lanes. Some systems may also come with a timing switch mat to use for vertical jump testing.
Adapted from http://www.topendsports.com/testing/timing-gates.htm
