Using wearable devices to analyze the everyday gait differences between runners and nonrunners

Abstract This study investigates how long‐distance running training affects daily walking gait, addressing a research gap in runners' everyday gait characteristics. To compare the variations in everyday gait between distance runners and nonrunners, we gathered 28 marathon runners (15 females and 13 men) with good Harris scores and a control group of 11 nonrunners. A wearable device was used to gather data on gait. Gait parameters from single‐task and dual‐task experiments were collected and assessed by the gait analysis system. In the single‐task experiment, runners demonstrated higher gait velocity and cadence than nonrunners; shorter strides, stance and swing phases; significantly lower toe‐off and heel strike angles; and significantly higher symmetry of stride time and heel strike angles. The toe‐off angle and heel strike angle of runners were significantly lower than those of nonrunners throughout the dual‐task trial, and the symmetry of their stride length was superior to that of the nonrunners. For runners, when performing dual tasks, gait velocity, cadence, stride time, and stance phase time were closely related to marathon running pace. Toe‐off angle and heel strike angle may distinguish runners from nonrunners. This study shows that sustained training for marathons can alter walking patterns and improve gait symmetry, decreasing the risk of falling. Comment on the translational aspect of the work presented in the paper and its potential clinical impact.