Validity and Reliability of StriveTM Sense3 for Muscle Activity Monitoring During the Squat Exercise

Abstract

Background: Recent innovations in surface electromyographic (sEMG) technology have enabled the measurement of muscle activity using smart textiles. Objective: In this study, the StriveTM Sense3 performance monitoring system is evaluated against a research-grade system, NoraxonTM, in measuring activity during the back squat exercise. Method: Seventeen participants performed three total trials of the squat exercise with a progressive load for individual trials equal to 30%, 60%, and 80% of their estimated maximum 1RM (one-repetition maximum). sEMG measurements from the rectus femoris were captured for the left and right leg by both systems. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient (r) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values were computed for each trial to assess concurrent validity and interrater reliability of the StriveTM Sense3 device. Additionally, five coaches at the collegiate- and professional-level of Men’s Basketball speak from an autoethnographic frame to the findings from this study. Results: Results ranged from “Poor” to “Excellent” validity and “Poor to Moderate” to “Excellent” reliability, with a majority of trials achieving “Good” or better results across all loads [93% trials: r >= 0.7; 87% trials: lower ICC 95% CI bound >= 0.75 (absolute sEMG); 98% trials: lower ICC 95% CI bound >= 0.75 (normalized sEMG)]. Higher validity and reliability for medium and heavy loads were observed in comparison to the light load, and several outliers indicate the need for coaches to lubricate sensors and ensure proper fit to collect accurate data. Conclusion: Examining results alongside practitioner feedback indicate the StriveTM Sense3 system is capable of tracking sEMG activity in comparison to a research-grade system.

External Load and Muscle Activation Monitoring of NCAA Division I Basketball Team Using Smart Compression Shorts

“…The last five authors of this study are coaches at the collegiate and professional levels of athletics and will use an autoethnographic frame to speak as practitioners for the research findings, Strive Sense3 technology, and implications for monitoring, training, and recovery of athletes [ 9 , 40 ]. Using a technology such as Strive, the specific game demands required of athletes during competition can be captured.…”

“…Proper fitting and wetting of sensors are important components when utilizing Strive [ 9 ]. Of necessary consideration when evaluating wearable sensor adoption is fit and perceived comfort.…”

“…Strive is a pair of compression shorts that measures external load using an accelerometer and global positioning system (GPS) placed in a plastic enclosure mounted at the center of the waist band using button snaps, and it measures muscle activation using sEMG electrodes that are embedded into several parts of the fabric. Though conflicting research exists on the validity and reliability of sEMG-embedded compression shorts [ 7 , 8 ], the technology has been observed to have good concurrent validity and good interrater reliability in comparison to a research-grade sEMG system when measuring quadriceps muscle activations as a normalized voltage output during the squat exercise [ 9 ]. Other brands of sEMG-based compression shorts have been investigated as well, indicating strong validity and reliability for exercise [ 10 , 11 , 12 ], activities of daily living [ 13 ], and tactical applications (i.e., military and first responders) [ 14 , 15 ].…”

“…Several of these studies emphasize that the sEMG electrodes should maintain good contact with the muscle to collect meaningful data. Authors from multiples studies encouraged users of this technology to properly lubricate the areas where the electrodes make contact with the leg muscles for users that do not produce enough sweat and to ensure that the shorts fit the participant well in order to produce a reliable sEMG signal [ 9 , 10 , 16 ].…”

Alterations in Surface Electromyography of the Upper Leg Muscles at Specified Respiratory Exchange Ratio Thresholds Ranges During a Maximal Exercise Test

“…The following methods were previously cited by Sanders et al 7 . Participants were fitted with a validated, wearable sEMG compression short containing accurate electrode placements on the left and right rectus femoris (RF), biceps femoris (BF) and gluteus maximus (GM) 8 . All participants were fitted with a heart rate (HR) monitor (Polar Global, Kempele, Finland) and an appropriate sized face mask to measure oxygen consumption.…”