Date of Graduation
5-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Exercise Science (MS)
Degree Level
Graduate
Department
Health, Human Performance and Recreation
Advisor/Mentor
Schmitt, Abigail
Committee Member
Jendro, Ashlyn
Second Committee Member
Butts, Cory
Keywords
Footwear; Obstacle Crossing; Zeno Walkway; Vicon Motion Systems
Abstract
Obstacle crossing is a common, yet complex locomotor task that requires coordination between perception, planning, and execution. Spatial gait parameters such as approach distance (AD) and landing distance (LD) are commonly used to quantify anticipatory and recovery strategies. However, these measures remain constant in principle but may be quantified differently depending on the measurement system and external factors such as footwear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the agreement, reliability, and accuracy of a pressure- sensing walkway (Zeno Walkway) relative to a motion capture system (Vicon Motion Systems), while simultaneously examining the influence of footwear characteristics. A secondary analysis was conducted on 38 healthy adults that completed 10 obstacle- crossing trials while wearing self-selected running shoes. AD and LD were calculated using both Zeno and Vicon systems. Reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), agreement was assessed using Bland-Altman analysis, and accuracy was assessed using absolute percent error (A%E) and Pearson correlations. Lastly, a linear regression analyses examined the relationship between the outcome variables and footwear characteristics. Results demonstrated fair-to-good reliability for AD (ICC = .56) and LD (ICC = .45), but the Zeno Walkway displays a systematic underestimation of AD and LD (3.4 cm and 4.9 cm, respectively) with wide limits of agreement. High A%E values (AD: 23.8%; LD: 18.6%) indicated poor accuracy. Moderate (AD: r = .64) and low (LD: r = .46) correlations suggested association, but not agreement for approach and landing distance, respectively. Additionally, footwear characteristics were not significant predictors of AD or LD. These findings indicate that the Zeno Walkway lacks sufficient agreement and accuracy for precise obstacle crossing measurement, despite moderate reliability. Additionally, spatial obstacle crossing measures appear robust to variation in running shoe characteristics.
Citation
Allen, B. M. (2026). The Effect of Footwear on Measurement Agreement Between Vicon and the Zeno Walkway During Obstacle Crossing. Graduate Theses and Dissertations Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/6279
