A Real-time System Supporting Virtual Competitive Training for Runners based on Body Motion

Abstract

This paper proposes a real-time system that supports the virtual competition environment of personal training for runners. The objective of the support is to improve the running performance about their average pace through a sense of competition. In particular, the sense is promoted by a virtual competitor based on their own motions of several specific body areas during exercise. We developed such a wearable system with plural wireless-sensor devices which combinations are possible according to observed body areas. In this scenario, runners wear these devices including 3D accelerometer on their arm and waist in training. The system provides the awareness information of relative positions between a runner and a competitor through a head-mount display. This virtual relationship of positions is produced by the difference of the waist acceleration between last and current training. Additionally, the system informs a runner change of arm swing which is the one of key points of running form with sound awareness. We focus on the virtual competitor in order to raise performance through improvements of running form.