APA Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist Damian Raper looks at a multi-activity tracker that offers opportunities for athletes and physiotherapists to track performance and rehabilitation.

STRAVA TRAINING: RUN & RIDE

Developer: Strava, Inc.

Get it: App Store and Google Play

Price: Free

Strava Training: Run & Ride is an activity and distance tracker with a purpose to turn your iPhone or Android into a sophisticated running and cycling computer. The app is compatible with numerous GPS devices, including Garmin, Fitbit, Polar and TomTom wearable devices, heart rate monitors and power meters, therefore allowing users to record and analyse a multitude of performance metrics.

Exercise options available for measuring are running, riding, walking, hiking, swimming, rowing, surfing and skiing. The platform has also recently expanded to include measuring of ice skating, inline skating, rock climbing and stand-up paddle boarding. Within each activity, the metrics for analysis also vary. Analysis of running activity includes distance, pace (average and max), elevation gain and calories burned, while cycling and rowing analysis also provide an additional estimation of power output.

The app provides an insight into patient training loads, which can be used in a retrospective manner when physiotherapists are attempting to deem causative factors for injuries, and also for planning athlete rehabilitation. Strava also offers a social network for athletes and allows users to share activities with followers and receive comments and ‘likes’ in return for great activities. Following a patient on Strava can allow a physiotherapist to monitor the patient’s activities and provide comments on progress relative to prescription and symptoms.

Pros:

• versatility because Strava can be used across multiple sport platforms


• provides tracking of multiple variables within a single session, but also across the course of a week or month


• integration: the ability to download from multiple wearable activity tracking devices


• premium version allows users to set a goal and determine progress.

Cons:

• a competition focus: Strava encourages users to compete with fellow athletes in segments


• live segment function can be dangerous, as it requires exercising with your phone in hand and can distract users.

Note: The views expressed by the reviewer are not necessarily those of the APA.

ATTENTION ALL APP AFICIONADOS Interested in reviewing an app for InMotion? Or do you have a suggestion for an app to be reviewed? Either way, we want to hear from you. Email barry.nguyen@australian.physio to indicate your interest or to share your suggestion.