Study puts wearable tech to the test

DEAKIN University exercise scientists have been putting wearable technology to the test on the running track at the Waurn Ponds campus.

But it is not just speed or distance they are measuring. They are testing how well smartwatches measure the dynamics of running when the runner is also pushing a pram.

Dr Claire Kenneally-Dabrowski from Deakin Centre for Sport Research in the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition said the team wanted to test the accuracy of wearable devices when other variables were also at play.

“Around three-quarters of runners say they use wearable technology or running related apps when exercising,” she said.

“These are often handheld or worn on the wrist and monitor physiological training metrics, such as distance and speed, to help them track their training progress and manage injury risk.

“But the accuracy of these devices to measure biomechanical load – or physical load on the body – is still unknown.

“For this study, we want to validate data from Garmin smartwatches to measure biomechanical load when running, with the novelty being that participants will also run with a pram.”

Data from the smartwatches will be compared with 3D motion analysis to understand how accurate it is.

“The 3D motion analysis uses infra-red cameras to track reflective markers on the participant allowing researchers to record the precise position, speed, and orientation of a runner and their limbs in three-dimensional space,” Dr Kenneally-Dabrowski said.

Runners will be tested over a 60m course with a 10kg weight in the pram to simulate a one-year-old child.

“This is a gold-standard measurement process that can be used to inform training plans and any adjustments needed during training,” Dr Kenneally-Dabrowski said.

“It is especially useful for women who are getting back into exercise after having a baby as they may be experiencing increased fatigue and altered movement patterns when running.

“When coupled with the additional load and unique running technique of pushing a pram, accurately monitoring their running load can help them progress gradually and avoid injury.”

The research will also explore how runners preparing for an endurance event of more than 10km can use their wearable devices to monitor training load, and how to use this information to inform their training.

“This will be of interest to endurance runners preparing for the 2026 Geelong marathon who are curious about the information wearable devices can provide to inform their training,” Dr Kenneally-Dabrowski said.

The Geelong Running Festival will make its debut in September this year, and feature marathon, half-marathon, 8km, kids’ race and all abilities courses.