Wearable Gait Analysis is Highly Sensitive in Detection of Fatigue-Induced Exercise in Low Intensity Training among University Football Players

This study aimed to investigate the sensitivity of wearable sensors in detecting fatigue induced by low-intensity football training among university players. Twenty healthy male university football players participated in the study, undergoing gait analysis using wearable sensors before and after a 90-minute football training session. Data were collected using shoe-type IMU sensors for gait analysis, GPS trackers for exercise monitoring, and heart rate monitors for heart rate assessment. Results showed significant changes in various gait parameters post-exercise, including decreased cadence, increased percentage of double support, decreased percentage of single support, and increased time of toe-off. However, parameters like stride length remained unchanged. Center of gravity parameters did not show significant differences except for an increase in the medial to later (ML-Y) acceleration post-exercise. Study results suggest that even low to moderate-intensity exercise can induce fatigue, impacting walking dynamics, and providing valuable insights into athletes' physical deterioration during daily activities. This method could be crucial for monitoring fatigue and preventing injuries among athletes engaged in various sports activities. Nonetheless, the study highlights the effectiveness of wearable IMU sensor gait tests in detecting fatigue induced by low to moderate-intensity exercises, emphasizing the importance of monitoring fatigue for injury prevention and performance optimization in athletes.