ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the GPExe pro2 device to identify movement orientation in team-sport locomotion. Part A involved a series of discrete movement tasks of varying direction and orientation at two speeds (walk, run); Part B involved a continuous Simulated Game Circuit (SGC). For validity, distance in each orientation quadrant (forward, backward, left, right) and two aggregated sectors (lateral, non-forward), was compared to the known distance and calculated as the standard error of estimate (SEE). Inter-unit reliability was assessed in the SGC and reported as typical error (TE) and coefficient of variation (CV). In total, 256 trials were collected for validity (Part A 232, Part B 24), and 17 trials for reliability. Validity improved with faster and more continuous movement (SEE: walk 6.2–8.7%; run 4.4–8.2%; SGC 1.0–6.2%), was better for forward and backward (1.0–2.8%) compared to left and right orientation (3.8–6.2%), and for aggregated sectors (2.4–5.1%) rather than specific quadrants. Reliability was good (CV<5%) for forward and backward quadrants and both aggregated sectors, but poor (CV>10%) for left and right quadrants. These devices provide valid and reliable movement orientation data for team-sport locomotion, particularly in differentiating between forward and non-forward movement.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge Exelio srl for the loan of the GPExe pro2 devices used in this study, and for their technical assistance; and Jack Fahey-Gilmour for his assistance with the Figures.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).