HIT Lab NZ
University of Canterbury
A university research study exploring how personalised audio feedback — based on your unique running rhythm — can help recreational runners improve their performance with their coach.
User-Centered Design and Preliminary Evaluation of Sonified Rhythm Feedback for Recreational Runners
Joining the study for the first time? Complete our online registration to create your account, review consent information, and book your three study sessions.
Already registered? Sign in to your personal dashboard to view your booked sessions, download your personalised Rhythm Profile, and access run data uploaded by the research team.
This study uses wearable sensors and personalised audio feedback to explore how runners can be guided to improve their running rhythm through sonification — turning kinematic data into meaningful sound.
The study creates a personalised Rhythm Profile for each runner — a data-driven model that combines wearable sensor readings with subjective performance ratings to define their optimal running rhythm.
Together with your coach, you will evaluate 5–7 audio feedback designs — each mapping your cadence to sound — to identify which methods are most intuitive and useful for real training.
In the final session, you will run with real-time audio feedback through bone-conduction headphones, attempting to match a slightly faster target cadence. Sensor data measures how well the audio cues guide your rhythm.
Study design
Within-subject, mixed-methods
Each pair participates in all 3 phases. Combines quantitative sensor data with qualitative interview feedback.
Venue
HPSNZ Parakiore
70m indoor track, Christchurch — the preferred location for controlled data capture with depth cameras and IMU sensors.
Recruitment
5–8 runner–coach pairs
Via Athletics Canterbury and local running clubs, facilitated by High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ).
Participants join as pairs — one recreational runner and their coach. Both members must meet the inclusion criteria and commit to attending all three sessions together.
Recreational runner
Actively running and regularly training with a coach. Not required to be elite, though local or regional competition experience is common.
Paired with a coach
The coach's expert perspective is essential to the study. Both the runner and their coach must participate together in every session.
Both aged 18 or older
Both the runner and the coach must be 18 years of age or older and provide informed consent prior to participation.
Available for 3 sessions
Both pair members must be able to attend all three study sessions. Sessions are held on separate days (approx. 60–70 minutes each).
All equipment is provided by the research team and fitted at the start of each session. No prior experience with any of these devices is needed.
IMU sensors
5 × Xsens DOT + 2 × Stryd wearable sensors to capture kinematic data (cadence, limb movement).
Depth cameras
5 × ZED 2i cameras for full-body motion capture and video synchronised with sensor data.
Bone-conduction headphones
Wireless headphones for the runner to hear sonified rhythm feedback during runs without blocking ambient sound.
Real-time processing
A laptop running the rhythm profile and sonification software that generates personalised audio feedback in real time.
The study is conducted over three separate days at the HPSNZ Parakiore indoor track. Each session runs approximately 60–70 minutes.
Before you arrive
~60 min at HPSNZ Parakiore
~60 min at HPSNZ Parakiore
~60 min at HPSNZ Parakiore
After the study — your data
Following data analysis, the research team will upload your personalised visual Rhythm Profile (the "thick curve" of your best runs) and your raw run data files to your private dashboard. Log in at any time to view your sessions and download your files.
Ethically approved research
This study has been reviewed and approved by the University of Canterbury Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC). Reference: HREC 2025/136/LR-PS. Participation is entirely voluntary. You may withdraw at any time without explanation and without any consequence.
If you have questions about eligibility, the study procedure, session scheduling, or any issues with this registration system, please contact the researcher directly.
Md Tanvir Hossain
PhD Researcher — The HIT Lab NZ, University of Canterbury
Study venue
HPSNZ Parakiore (70m indoor track)
Christchurch, New Zealand
Institution
The HIT Lab NZ, University of Canterbury
Christchurch, New Zealand