Protocolo metodológico de la carrera en cinta mediante IMU en personas sanas. Revisión de alcance

Introduction: Running is a popular and accessible activity with well-established health benefits, although it carries a risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Biomechanical analysis helps identify risk factors and guide preventive strategies. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) have enhanced the assessment of running technique. Objective: This study aimed to review the methodological protocols applied in the kinematic analysis of treadmill running among recreational runners using IMUs in healthy individuals. Methodology: The review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Searches were conducted in Medline/PubMed, Web of Science, SportDiscus, and SafeJournal. Eligible studies included descriptive, reliability, validity, and intervention designs using IMUs in healthy participants. Methodological quality was assessed with the modified Downs & Black Index, and inter-rater reliability with Cohen’s Kappa coefficient. Results: From 6,169 records, 30 studies met the eligibility criteria. A total of 31 devices were analyzed, with sampling frequencies ranging from 1600 Hz to 1 Hz. The tibia was the most common sensor location. Across studies, 553 men (66.2%) and 282 women (33.8%) participated. The most frequently assessed parameters were acceleration, angular velocity, and spatiotemporal variables such as cadence and contact time. Conclusions: Treadmill-based IMUs are valid tools for measuring kinematic parameters and provide valuable insights into running technique and performance. Measurement accuracy depends on sensor placement. Key limitations included the low representation of women, the predominance of recreational runners, and the frequent use of reduced running speeds. Future studies should incorporate balanced sex representation and systematic comparisons of sensor locations to enhance reproducibility and support injury-prevention programs.