Validity and reliability of STRAVA segments
Influence of running distance and velocity
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14198/jhse.2023.184.05Keywords:
Performance analysis of sport, Accuracy, GPS technology, Running watch, Endurance runningAbstract
This study aimed to assess the reliability of Strava measurements when manipulating segment distance and running velocity. The tests were carried out on a flat and straight segment. Ten male regular runners were equipped with a Garmin® Forerunner 945 watch and ran over a distance of 1 km of four increasing speeds: 1.39, 2.78, 4.17 and 5 m/s. Different reference positions were accurately determined in order to calculate time at 100 m, 200 m, 500 m, 700 m, and 1000 m. A bike with a wide angle camera was used to standardize the run pace and to record the entire run for reference measurements. Results show a high level of reliability with nearly perfect intra-class correlation (from .997 to 1) when data is analysed accordingly to the distance of the segment or to the running velocity. The validity is also very good with a small average bias (-0.25 s), a standard deviation of differences of 1.84 sec and the limit of agreement range from -3.86 to 3.35 sec. Regardless of the length of the segment, the actual performance of the runner is normally within +/- 2 seconds of the results given by the Strava application. In 95% of cases, the measurement error will be less than four seconds. The relative error is proportionally larger for short segments done at a fast pace. Further studies are needed to explore Strava segments reliability in other specific contexts.
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