Exploring Feedback and Instruction Modalities using Low Fidelity Prototypes for Running: Towards Designing a Wearable System

Running is a popular recreational sports activity, but it also has a discontinuation rate, primarily due to running-related injuries. Running injuries, and hence discontinuation can be reduced by providing feedback and instructions on running technique. This paper aims to explore three low fidelity feedback and instruction prototypes directed to design wearable-based systems for improving running technique. We explored feedback and instruction constructed with motor learning and running experts, consistent with motor learning principles. We constructed one prototype to assess the effects of feedback frequency another prototype to compare visual vs auditory feedback, and a prototype to investigate the effects of autonomy for their acute influence on stride frequency, self-efficacy and motivation. Results show that stride frequency changes were minor with all prototypes. Investigation of user experiences revealed an optimal feedback frequency at every one to two minutes and a preference for auditory instructions prior to running equally to real-time visual feedback. Providing autonomy had no improved motivation over no-choice. These results provide initial insights and suggestions to direct future design of wearable based feedback and instruction design for improving running technique.