A new technological development from SFU researchers helps runners crush their goals
By Kelli Gustafson
Photos by Vaikunthe Banerjee
A research duo from Simon Fraser University’s Locomotion Lab have created a new app to help runners, entitled “Cruise Control.” Biomedical physiologist Max Donelan, along with PhD candidate Mark Snaterse, created this app after discovering that sound tempo can control running pace. Through the application of cruise control philosophy, this app works to assist runners in maintaining a particular pace, heart rate, or cadence, by controlling music tempo to pace their steps.
Donelan and Snaterse have spent the past few years perfecting the “control algorithms” for this new technology. “This project started a number of years ago when Max and I were looking into the mechanisms underlying the control of locomotion,” Snaterse said.
After conducting experiments, Donelan and Snaterse discovered that people would adjust their running speed in accordance with a shift in “metronome tempo [clicks, beats, etc.].” By applying this “control theory” and conducting more human experiments, Donelan and Snaterse became certain that runners could benefit with a technology to help regulate their speed using this theory. “Basically Cruise Control turns your music into your personal trainer,” Snaterse told The Peak.
After inputting your preferred distance, speed, cadence or heart rate, the app will select music from your phone, and adjusts the tempo automatically, to match your input goal(s). Snarterse compared the app to dancing; “during the run you just need to synchronize your steps with the music.” According to the developers, a runner can maintain their desired pace by having their steps matched to the tempo of the music playing.
According to Snaterse, all levels of runners could benefit from this app. “Regardless of your level, with Cruise Control it feels like your favourite band is right there with you timing their kick drum to drive you faster and further.” Snaterse admitted that he “never run[s] without the app anymore,” and revealed that his favorite song to run to is “Dancing Shoes” by The Arctic Monkeys.
The app has received wide acclaim from gadget buffs and cardio junkies alike, and has been featured on social media sites such as Mashable, Gizmag, Lifehacker, and Guyism. So if you’re looking for a way to stop your iPod from betraying you with swelling Celine Dion mid-workout, Cruise Control will run you $4.99 at the iTunes AppStore.
