Validity of a low-cost laser with freely available software for improving measurement of walking and running speed

Abstract

Objectives: Accurately measuring speed and acceleration during walking, running and sprinting has important implications for rehabilitation, planning training and talent identification in sporting and clinical populations. Light detection and ranging laser technology provides a continuous stream of distance data. It has the potential to allow rapid and precise measurement and may be advantageous compared with discrete methods of assessment, such as stopwatches and timing gates, which may be inaccurate over short distances. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the validity of a novel, low-cost and easy to implement laser-based system during walking and running trials. Design: Cross-..