Feasibility studies are a necessary first step in assessing the practicality of methods and procedures used in a more extensive study. Others emphasize that feasibility studies aim to test the practical aspects of a future study and use the results to inform modifications that can enhance the study design and increase the chances of success in the more extensive study. Before conducting the main study, we rigorously refined data collection procedures based on the best available evidence, informed by the scoping review, expert consultation, and pilot testing.

To evaluate the feasibility and practicality of the proposed research methodology and to identify and address potential challenges associated with data collection. The specific objective is to determine the intra-rater reliability in determining MVIC, which is part of the procedure in the sEMG protocol.

This study is composed of two phases: (Phase 1) a pragmatic pilot study using an experienced biomechanist to refine the protocol. Thorough preparation, including a dry run and expert review, preceded the pilot study. (Phase 2) a preliminary testing phase to evaluate the protocol and to assess the intra-rater reliability of the MVIC used in the sEMG protocol. A high speed treadmill, Nexus software, Vicon and Delsys sEMG systems were used to capture kinematic and muscle activity data during high-speed running, enabling a comprehensive biomechanical analysis.

The final protocol underwent a feasibility and acceptability assessment based on five pre-defined metrics: recruitment efficacy, optimization of data acquisition methodologies, data integrity and completeness, procedural tolerability, and resource allocation efficiency. Pilot testing anomalies and their respective corrective actions were systematically documented. Furthermore, the intra-rater reliability of the maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) measurement exhibited a range from moderate to excellent, as determined by statistical analysis.

This study successfully demonstrated the feasibility and practicality of our research methods. We evaluated all identified parameters and completed the assessments on schedule. The feasibility study proved valuable in identifying and addressing challenges encountered during data collection, such as equipment malfunctions and logistical hurdles. The study also demonstrated a moderate to excellent intra-rater reliability of MVIC assessment.