Running Biomechanics Essay
Running is one of the most imperative forms of locomotion within human beings and is a fundamental component in every land-based sporting activity (Burkett 2010). Running biomechanics research provides imperative data and information about injury prevention, injury treatment and movement safety (Knudson 2007). The study of running biomechanics is essential in order to provide analysable data which illustrates the potential risk of injury of an inadequate running technique. Considering Newton’s third law that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction during the motion of running when your foot strikes the ground a force is applied, that force is then transmitted vertically from the ground onto your body and must be absorbed (Dos
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Santos 2006). This force consumed with repetition of an incorrect technique of running has the absolute potential to cause injury.
The running gait cycle is described as the period from initial contact of one foot to the initial contact of that same foot; Initial contact, heel off, toe off, initial swing, terminal swing and foot contact with ground. (Dugan 2005). Running differs from walking due to an increased velocity, increase range of motion of all lower limb joints and requires greater eccentric muscle contraction.The running gait cycle can be separated into three parts: Stance phase, swing phase and float phase (Liberman 2012).
Running biomechanics are controlled primarily by the lower limbs in particular the foot, knee, hip and ankle joints.
These joints each have an axis of rotation which allows for other joints to conduct a plane of motion perpendicular to that specific axis. When running the most considerable supply of muscle work is conducted within an eccentric form. This eccentric compression is required to control joint force and absorb shock generated when running. (Dugan 2005). To have an appreciation of biomechanical movements during running an in depth understanding of running biomechanics particularly the running gait cycle is of paramount importance to help prevent or eradicate poor running styles which lead to …show more content…
injuries.
Objectives
The overall objective of this investigation was to gain the kinetic output measurements of both the right and left limbs when jogging with running shoes and jogging barefoot. The goal of this experiment was to compare and contrast the jogging data from both limbs.This experiment focussed entirely on the lower limbs of the body; Ankle joint, knee joint and hip joint. When the results are obtained from the laboratory the results of the angle measurements must be expressed using accurate graphs and tables. These graphs and tables will be explained and will detail the trends or differences between running barefoot and running with comfortable shoes has on both the right and left knee joints.
Methodology
The laboratory session was conducted within the university’s biomechanics lab. This experiment examined two separate jogging scenarios. The participant was requested to jog at a normal pace across the walkway area both with comfortable running shoes and also barefoot. Three trials of jogging kinetic data were collected for each independent jogging scenario. The jogging kinetic data was collected by using a Vicon Motion System which is an ultramodern marker-tracking system that presents precise millimeter 3D resolution spatial displacements.
Calibration of the system is tremendously important within the preparation process as it allows the software to accurately determine the position and orientation of all the cameras. Static calibration occurred when the reflective markers were placed on the four corners of the walkway which ensured it was within the cameras field of view and could be calibrated. This determines the source of the 3D workplace and dynamic calibration requires movement of the calibration wand around the workplace in order to establish the relative location and orientation of the cameras. The participants anthropometric measurements were conducted as follows:
Height was measured using a stadiometer
Weight was measured using an electronic scale
Leg length was recorded by a measurement from the anterior superior iliac spine (pelvis bone) to the medial malleoli (ankle joint)
Knee width and ankle width were measured from a standing position
The Vicon Motion System captures the movement of the reflective markers placed on the participant. It is essential to place the markers in the correct position to achieve the required motion capture results. As this experiment was focussing on the lower limbs the markers were placed on specific anatomical positions; Front foot, heel, ankle joint, shin, knee and thigh. Static data is captured when the reflective markers for calibration of the participant. The participant was requested to stand in the centre of the walkway in a neutral pose whilst several seconds of data were recorded. On completion of the recording the reflective markers should appear as white circles which demonstrates the markers have been successfully captured. The dynamic data capture occurs when the participant performs the motion that is being analyzed. The participant must have the reflective markers remaining in the specific places allocated during the static data capture to ensure accurate results obtained when performing the dynamic data capture. On completion of the participant completing the three barefoot trials and the three trials wearing comfortable shoes the data required was collected and allowed the researcher to produce the appropriate results using accurate graphs and tables.
Results
The laboratory session data was cleaned and presented as quantitative values which was the information required to create the specific graphs as a means to visually produce and then compare and analyse the results obtained. In light of receiving the quantitative data the researcher decided to solely focus upon the knee joint of both the right and left limbs. A scatter graph was plotted for each individual trial that occurred barefoot and with comfortable shoes. Therefore six barefoot trials representing the right and left knee joint followed by six trials jogging with comfortable shoes illustrating the right and left knee joint. These twelve graphs clearly demonstrate the joint angles versus time of the X,Y and Z coordinates. In relation to the graphs constructed the X coordinate equals mediolateral axis, the Y coordinate means the anter posterior axis and the Z coordinate stands for the vertical component.
The graphs below show a comparison of the running barefoot trials 1,2 and 3 of the left knee.
Within trial 1 and 3 it is clear that the Y component has the highest values. The Z coordinate has the lowest values within trials 1 and 3 however the Z coordinate has the highest degree value within trial 2. The X coordinate remains neutral throughout all 3 trials however slightly increases degree value within trial 2.
The graphs below show a comparison of the running barefoot trials 1,2 and 3 of the right knee.
Within trials 1 and 3 the X coordinate follows a very similar pathway whereas in trial 2 the degree values increase steeply. The similarity with all 3 trials when considering the X component would be it remains second in terms of angle degrees within all 3 trials. The Y coordinate is also very similar in terms of degree angle displacement with trial 1 and 3 and has the highest values however within trial 2 the Y coordinate is ranked as the lowest. The Z component follows a similar pathway through the 3 trials however the degree angle remains the lowest within trial 1 and 3 yet is ranked as the highest in terms of degree angle within the second trial.
The graphs below show a comparison of the running with shoes trials 1,2 and 3 of the left knee.
These 3 graphs all have very similar characteristics. There is a slight difference within trials 2 and 3 in terms of all 3 coordinates angle degrees are reduced at trial 3 compared to trial 2. The X and Y coordinates increase rapidly and steeply within trials 1 and 2 however there is only a slight increase within trial 3.
The graphs below show a comparison of the running with trials 1,2 and 3 of the right knee.
This graph is similar to the previous graph of the Left knee with shoes as it remains very similar in terms of the movement pathway of all 3 coordinates within all 3 trials. The Y coordinate remains the most consistent in terms of degree angle displacement compared with the X and Z coordinates. The X coordinate starts with a higher value at trial 2 compared with trial 1 and 3. The Z coordinate also begins with a higher degree value at trial 2 compared with trial 1 and 3 and also has an increase within trial 1 and 2 compared to trial 3 where it plateaus.
The researcher calculated the mean and standard deviation of each individual barefoot and with shoes trial of the right and left knee joints. These calculations were used to synthesize the large scale data formulated from the trials to reveal their collective characteristics. The researcher also conducted a Ttest in order to produce a P value for the X,Y,Z coordinates of the left and right knee running barefoot and with shoes (See table 1.1 and 1.2)
(Table 1.1)
(Table 1.2)
The P value was conducted to ascertain the significance of the data collected. If the P value results conclude the values analysed are under 0.05 there has been a significant difference and if the results of the P value are over 0.05 there has been no significant difference. The results expressed in table 1.1 and 1.2 demonstrate that all the P values were considerably greater than 0.05 which confirms absolutely no significant difference.
Discussion
Analysing the data found within the left knee barefoot graphs it is clearly evident that the X and Y coordinates have the exact same trends and very similar values. The Z coordinates have a very similar trend within trials 1 and 3 however trial 2 has much higher degree values and 2 sharp peaks also occur within trial 2. Within all 3 trials there is a slight decrease at the start from the X and Z coordinates. Comparing this data to the left knee wearing shoes there is a noticeable difference in trends. Within all 3 trials of the left knee wearing shoes there is minimal difference between the X,Y and Z coordinates. The Z component remains the highest degree value throughout all 3 trials and the X and Y coordinates follow an almost exact pathway through every trial. The highest peak occurs between 0.4-0.7 seconds on all 3 graphs. The graphs for the left knee wearing shoes are considerably more uniform when compared to the left knee barefoot trials. Analysing the data compiled from the right knee barefoot graphs demonstrates that it is indisputable that the X, Y and Z coordinates maintain very identical trends particularly within trials 1 and 3. It is within trial 2 that there is a significant difference of trends and coordinate displacement. There are two compelling peaks performed in trial 2 by the X coordinate as well as a large increase at the end of the graph. Contrasting this data with the right knee wearing shoes it is apparent the X coordinate also has two main peaks however these peaks are noticeable in all 3 trials. The Y and Z coordinates within barefoot and wearing shoes graphs all exhibit very similar trends however the wearing shoes coordinates contain much higher degree values particularly when comparing Z coordinates than its barefoot counterparts.
According to Pang (2010) barefoot running provides subtle changes within step rate which reduces the amount of energy required of the lower extremity joints for example a shorter stride allows the knee joint to bend much less and reduce the force acting upon it and therefore reduce and prevent injuries.
However, Anderson (2013) states during barefoot running there is a much greater knee flexion and the vertical force acted upon the body is considerably higher when barefoot running compared with running with comfortable shoes as this provides necessary protection and durability. Barefoot running has demonstrated that it reduces the amount of torque acted upon the knee joint and is more effective and offers more protection as shock absorber for the knee than running shoes. Vance (2013). Corresponding to these findings the data collected from the investigation conveys that the overall significance of running with shoes or running barefoot shows there is very limited difference on the knee joint as all the P value data is above 0.05 which indicates no significant
difference.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the data collected and analysed demonstrated similarities and also variations in barefoot running and running with shoes. Overall, trial 2 had the largest degree angle differences within barefoot running whereas the running with shoes trials maintained almost complete uniformity throughout each trial. The majority of previous research states that barefoot running is more natural and has the most potential to reduce injury however, the evidence from this research suggests there is no significant difference due to the P value being above 0.05. The researcher believes the potential reason for the no significant difference was due to the participant taking part in the investigation having little to no experience performing barefoot running therefore lacks to optimal barefoot running technique.
Santos 2006). This force consumed with repetition of an incorrect technique of running has the absolute potential to cause injury.
The running gait cycle is described as the period from initial contact of one foot to the initial contact of that same foot; Initial contact, heel off, toe off, initial swing, terminal swing and foot contact with ground. (Dugan 2005). Running differs from walking due to an increased velocity, increase range of motion of all lower limb joints and requires greater eccentric muscle contraction.The running gait cycle can be separated into three parts: Stance phase, swing phase and float phase (Liberman 2012).
Running biomechanics are controlled primarily by the lower limbs in particular the foot, knee, hip and ankle joints.
These joints each have an axis of rotation which allows for other joints to conduct a plane of motion perpendicular to that specific axis. When running the most considerable supply of muscle work is conducted within an eccentric form. This eccentric compression is required to control joint force and absorb shock generated when running. (Dugan 2005). To have an appreciation of biomechanical movements during running an in depth understanding of running biomechanics particularly the running gait cycle is of paramount importance to help prevent or eradicate poor running styles which lead to …show more content…
injuries.
Objectives
The overall objective of this investigation was to gain the kinetic output measurements of both the right and left limbs when jogging with running shoes and jogging barefoot. The goal of this experiment was to compare and contrast the jogging data from both limbs.This experiment focussed entirely on the lower limbs of the body; Ankle joint, knee joint and hip joint. When the results are obtained from the laboratory the results of the angle measurements must be expressed using accurate graphs and tables. These graphs and tables will be explained and will detail the trends or differences between running barefoot and running with comfortable shoes has on both the right and left knee joints.
Methodology
The laboratory session was conducted within the university’s biomechanics lab. This experiment examined two separate jogging scenarios. The participant was requested to jog at a normal pace across the walkway area both with comfortable running shoes and also barefoot. Three trials of jogging kinetic data were collected for each independent jogging scenario. The jogging kinetic data was collected by using a Vicon Motion System which is an ultramodern marker-tracking system that presents precise millimeter 3D resolution spatial displacements.
Calibration of the system is tremendously important within the preparation process as it allows the software to accurately determine the position and orientation of all the cameras. Static calibration occurred when the reflective markers were placed on the four corners of the walkway which ensured it was within the cameras field of view and could be calibrated. This determines the source of the 3D workplace and dynamic calibration requires movement of the calibration wand around the workplace in order to establish the relative location and orientation of the cameras. The participants anthropometric measurements were conducted as follows:
Height was measured using a stadiometer
Weight was measured using an electronic scale
Leg length was recorded by a measurement from the anterior superior iliac spine (pelvis bone) to the medial malleoli (ankle joint)
Knee width and ankle width were measured from a standing position
The Vicon Motion System captures the movement of the reflective markers placed on the participant. It is essential to place the markers in the correct position to achieve the required motion capture results. As this experiment was focussing on the lower limbs the markers were placed on specific anatomical positions; Front foot, heel, ankle joint, shin, knee and thigh. Static data is captured when the reflective markers for calibration of the participant. The participant was requested to stand in the centre of the walkway in a neutral pose whilst several seconds of data were recorded. On completion of the recording the reflective markers should appear as white circles which demonstrates the markers have been successfully captured. The dynamic data capture occurs when the participant performs the motion that is being analyzed. The participant must have the reflective markers remaining in the specific places allocated during the static data capture to ensure accurate results obtained when performing the dynamic data capture. On completion of the participant completing the three barefoot trials and the three trials wearing comfortable shoes the data required was collected and allowed the researcher to produce the appropriate results using accurate graphs and tables.
Results
The laboratory session data was cleaned and presented as quantitative values which was the information required to create the specific graphs as a means to visually produce and then compare and analyse the results obtained. In light of receiving the quantitative data the researcher decided to solely focus upon the knee joint of both the right and left limbs. A scatter graph was plotted for each individual trial that occurred barefoot and with comfortable shoes. Therefore six barefoot trials representing the right and left knee joint followed by six trials jogging with comfortable shoes illustrating the right and left knee joint. These twelve graphs clearly demonstrate the joint angles versus time of the X,Y and Z coordinates. In relation to the graphs constructed the X coordinate equals mediolateral axis, the Y coordinate means the anter posterior axis and the Z coordinate stands for the vertical component.
The graphs below show a comparison of the running barefoot trials 1,2 and 3 of the left knee.
Within trial 1 and 3 it is clear that the Y component has the highest values. The Z coordinate has the lowest values within trials 1 and 3 however the Z coordinate has the highest degree value within trial 2. The X coordinate remains neutral throughout all 3 trials however slightly increases degree value within trial 2.
The graphs below show a comparison of the running barefoot trials 1,2 and 3 of the right knee.
Within trials 1 and 3 the X coordinate follows a very similar pathway whereas in trial 2 the degree values increase steeply. The similarity with all 3 trials when considering the X component would be it remains second in terms of angle degrees within all 3 trials. The Y coordinate is also very similar in terms of degree angle displacement with trial 1 and 3 and has the highest values however within trial 2 the Y coordinate is ranked as the lowest. The Z component follows a similar pathway through the 3 trials however the degree angle remains the lowest within trial 1 and 3 yet is ranked as the highest in terms of degree angle within the second trial.
The graphs below show a comparison of the running with shoes trials 1,2 and 3 of the left knee.
These 3 graphs all have very similar characteristics. There is a slight difference within trials 2 and 3 in terms of all 3 coordinates angle degrees are reduced at trial 3 compared to trial 2. The X and Y coordinates increase rapidly and steeply within trials 1 and 2 however there is only a slight increase within trial 3.
The graphs below show a comparison of the running with trials 1,2 and 3 of the right knee.
This graph is similar to the previous graph of the Left knee with shoes as it remains very similar in terms of the movement pathway of all 3 coordinates within all 3 trials. The Y coordinate remains the most consistent in terms of degree angle displacement compared with the X and Z coordinates. The X coordinate starts with a higher value at trial 2 compared with trial 1 and 3. The Z coordinate also begins with a higher degree value at trial 2 compared with trial 1 and 3 and also has an increase within trial 1 and 2 compared to trial 3 where it plateaus.
The researcher calculated the mean and standard deviation of each individual barefoot and with shoes trial of the right and left knee joints. These calculations were used to synthesize the large scale data formulated from the trials to reveal their collective characteristics. The researcher also conducted a Ttest in order to produce a P value for the X,Y,Z coordinates of the left and right knee running barefoot and with shoes (See table 1.1 and 1.2)
(Table 1.1)
(Table 1.2)
The P value was conducted to ascertain the significance of the data collected. If the P value results conclude the values analysed are under 0.05 there has been a significant difference and if the results of the P value are over 0.05 there has been no significant difference. The results expressed in table 1.1 and 1.2 demonstrate that all the P values were considerably greater than 0.05 which confirms absolutely no significant difference.
Discussion
Analysing the data found within the left knee barefoot graphs it is clearly evident that the X and Y coordinates have the exact same trends and very similar values. The Z coordinates have a very similar trend within trials 1 and 3 however trial 2 has much higher degree values and 2 sharp peaks also occur within trial 2. Within all 3 trials there is a slight decrease at the start from the X and Z coordinates. Comparing this data to the left knee wearing shoes there is a noticeable difference in trends. Within all 3 trials of the left knee wearing shoes there is minimal difference between the X,Y and Z coordinates. The Z component remains the highest degree value throughout all 3 trials and the X and Y coordinates follow an almost exact pathway through every trial. The highest peak occurs between 0.4-0.7 seconds on all 3 graphs. The graphs for the left knee wearing shoes are considerably more uniform when compared to the left knee barefoot trials. Analysing the data compiled from the right knee barefoot graphs demonstrates that it is indisputable that the X, Y and Z coordinates maintain very identical trends particularly within trials 1 and 3. It is within trial 2 that there is a significant difference of trends and coordinate displacement. There are two compelling peaks performed in trial 2 by the X coordinate as well as a large increase at the end of the graph. Contrasting this data with the right knee wearing shoes it is apparent the X coordinate also has two main peaks however these peaks are noticeable in all 3 trials. The Y and Z coordinates within barefoot and wearing shoes graphs all exhibit very similar trends however the wearing shoes coordinates contain much higher degree values particularly when comparing Z coordinates than its barefoot counterparts.
According to Pang (2010) barefoot running provides subtle changes within step rate which reduces the amount of energy required of the lower extremity joints for example a shorter stride allows the knee joint to bend much less and reduce the force acting upon it and therefore reduce and prevent injuries.
However, Anderson (2013) states during barefoot running there is a much greater knee flexion and the vertical force acted upon the body is considerably higher when barefoot running compared with running with comfortable shoes as this provides necessary protection and durability. Barefoot running has demonstrated that it reduces the amount of torque acted upon the knee joint and is more effective and offers more protection as shock absorber for the knee than running shoes. Vance (2013). Corresponding to these findings the data collected from the investigation conveys that the overall significance of running with shoes or running barefoot shows there is very limited difference on the knee joint as all the P value data is above 0.05 which indicates no significant
difference.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the data collected and analysed demonstrated similarities and also variations in barefoot running and running with shoes. Overall, trial 2 had the largest degree angle differences within barefoot running whereas the running with shoes trials maintained almost complete uniformity throughout each trial. The majority of previous research states that barefoot running is more natural and has the most potential to reduce injury however, the evidence from this research suggests there is no significant difference due to the P value being above 0.05. The researcher believes the potential reason for the no significant difference was due to the participant taking part in the investigation having little to no experience performing barefoot running therefore lacks to optimal barefoot running technique.