Assessing left-right asymmetry in running using wearable accelerometery and automated step segmentation

Running is a bilateral activity, but the majority of running injuries are unilateral. Differences in load experienced by the left and right sides of the body may help explain this paradox. This study examined the prevalence of left/right asymmetry among 30 recreationally active adults running at 1.83 to 4.02 m/s using a waist-worn accelerometer and an automated step segmentation method. Peak vertical acceleration in left and right steps differed by an average of 0.285 g across subjects. Left/right asymmetry of >0.5 g occurred at one or more speeds in 47% of subjects. Left/right asymmetry is common and has a subject-specific association with running speed.