Biomechanical Analysis of Distance Running

Biomechanical Analysis of Distance Running

By: Chris LiebesBy: Chris Liebes

The Ideal Distance RunnerThe Ideal Distance Runner

Exhibits optimal physiological factors VO2MAX

Muscle fiber type Metabolic adaptations

Exhibits optimal running economy Stride length Stride frequency Shorter ground contact time

Exhibits optimal physiological factors VO2MAX

Muscle fiber type Metabolic adaptations

Exhibits optimal running economy Stride length Stride frequency Shorter ground contact time

Purpose of AnalysisPurpose of Analysis

Determine if one set of biomechanical characteristics exists within distance running, that when applied would increase optimal distance running economy and performance

Determine if one set of biomechanical characteristics exists within distance running, that when applied would increase optimal distance running economy and performance

MethodsMethods

Had three individuals of varying levels of size and ability, run at a sub-maximal pace around a 1/4 mile track.

Camera was placed at the 300 meter mark and captured images of the performers as they passed.

Images and raw data were then used for comparison purposes.

Had three individuals of varying levels of size and ability, run at a sub-maximal pace around a 1/4 mile track.

Camera was placed at the 300 meter mark and captured images of the performers as they passed.

Images and raw data were then used for comparison purposes.

ResultsResults

No single set of biomechanical factors, due to the complexity of running economy, could fully explain the differences in performances among the individuals observed

A great deal of variability existed among performers suggesting that a number of physiological and biomechanical factors influenced a performers running mechanics

No single set of biomechanical factors, due to the complexity of running economy, could fully explain the differences in performances among the individuals observed

A great deal of variability existed among performers suggesting that a number of physiological and biomechanical factors influenced a performers running mechanics

Results (Cont.)Results (Cont.)

Ground contact time appeared to be the only characteristic that had a big influence on running economy and overall speed This appeared to be found more in midfoot

and front foot strikers than heel strike foot patterns as my research suggested and as observed in my analysis

Ground contact time appeared to be the only characteristic that had a big influence on running economy and overall speed This appeared to be found more in midfoot

and front foot strikers than heel strike foot patterns as my research suggested and as observed in my analysis

0.134 0.134 0.134

0.167

0.134

0.167

0.1 0.1

0.167

0

0.02

0.04

0.06

0.08

0.1

0.12

0.14

0.16

0.18

Support DrivingAirborne

Supporting

DrivingAirborne

Supporting

DrivingAirborne

Chris Liebes Josh Trenkel Michael Maeda

Subject

Time (in seconds)

Time (in seconds)

Average Section Velocity (Chris Liebes)

4.1

4.15

4.2

4.25

4.3

4.35

4.4

4.45

Subsection (25 meters)

Time (in seconds)

Trial 1 4.21 4.27 4.24 4.3

Trial 2 4.22 4.4 4.36 4.26

Trial 3 4.27 4.37 4.36 4.33

1 2 3 4

Average Section Velocity (Josh Trenkel)

4

4.05

4.1

4.15

4.2

4.25

4.3

4.35

4.4

4.45

4.5

Subsection (25 meters)

Time (in seconds)

Trial 1 4.15 4.43 4.45 4.31

Trial 2 4.27 4.22 4.25 4.22

Trial 3 4.21 4.19 4.25 4.16

1 2 3 4

Average Section Velocity (Michael Maeda)

4

4.05

4.1

4.15

4.2

4.25

4.3

4.35

4.4

Subsection (25 meters)

Time (in seconds)

Trial 1 4.37 4.3 4.27 4.16

Trial 2 4.15 4.26 4.25 4.22

Trial 3 4.24 4.22 4.19 4.17

1 2 3 4

Average Section Acceleration (Chris Liebes)

-0.15

-0.1

-0.05

0

0.05

0.1

0.15

0.2

Subsection (25 meters)

Time (in seconds)

Trial 1 0 0 0.06 -0.03 0.07

Trial 2 0 0 0.18 -0.04 -0.1

Trial 3 0 0 0.1 -0.01 -0.03

1 2 3 4 5

Average Section Acceleration (Josh Trenkel)

-0.2

-0.15

-0.1

-0.05

0

0.05

0.1

0.15

0.2

0.25

0.3

0.35

Subsection (25 meters)

Time (in seconds)

Trial 1 0 0 0.28 0.02 -0.14

Trial 2 0 0 -0.05 0.03 -0.03

Trial 3 0 0 -0.02 0.06 -0.09

1 2 3 4 5

Average Section Acceleration (Michael Maeda)

-0.15

-0.1

-0.05

0

0.05

0.1

0.15

Subsection (25 meters)

Time (in seconds)

Trial 1 0 0 -0.07 -0.03 -0.11

Trial 2 0 0 0.11 -0.01 -0.03

Trial 3 0 0 -0.02 -0.03 -0.02

1 2 3 4 5

ReasonsReasons

Longer ground contact times are a result of greater vertical oscillation and result in a greater vertical impulse.

Together these put added demands on the extensor musculature resulting in a greater energy demand

Longer ground contact times are a result of greater vertical oscillation and result in a greater vertical impulse.

Together these put added demands on the extensor musculature resulting in a greater energy demand

Reasons (Cont.)Reasons (Cont.)

Recent research also suggests that front/mid foot strikes result in a shorter braking phase (negative work) and use elastic energy stored within muscles and tendons and leg stiffness to conserve energy.

Recent research also suggests that front/mid foot strikes result in a shorter braking phase (negative work) and use elastic energy stored within muscles and tendons and leg stiffness to conserve energy.

ConclusionConclusion

Running economy is influenced by a complex array of physiological and biomechanical factors specific to each individual and one ideal running technique is not the best strategy for increasing running economy and performance

Running economy is influenced by a complex array of physiological and biomechanical factors specific to each individual and one ideal running technique is not the best strategy for increasing running economy and performance

QuestionsQuestions

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ReferencesReferences

(1990). Biomechanics of Distance Running. (P. R. Cavanagh, Ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Books.

Bosch, F. & Klomp, R. (2005). Running: Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology in Practice. Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.

Carr, G. A. (2004). Sport Mechanics for Coaches (2nd Edition). Human Kinetics.

Hasegawa, H., Yamauchi, T., & Kraemer, W. (2007, August). FOOT STRIKE PATTERNS OF RUNNERS AT THE 15-KM POINT DURING AN ELITE-LEVEL HALF MARATHON. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 21(3), 888-893. Retrieved January 16, 2008, from Academic Search Premier database.

(1990). Biomechanics of Distance Running. (P. R. Cavanagh, Ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Books.

Bosch, F. & Klomp, R. (2005). Running: Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology in Practice. Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.

Carr, G. A. (2004). Sport Mechanics for Coaches (2nd Edition). Human Kinetics.

Hasegawa, H., Yamauchi, T., & Kraemer, W. (2007, August). FOOT STRIKE PATTERNS OF RUNNERS AT THE 15-KM POINT DURING AN ELITE-LEVEL HALF MARATHON. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 21(3), 888-893. Retrieved January 16, 2008, from Academic Search Premier database.

Hay, J. G. (1993). The Biomechanics of Sports Techniques. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

McGinnis, P. (1999). Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Mikkola, J., Rusko, H., Nummela, A., Pollari, T., & Häkkinen, K. (2007, July). Concurrent Endurance and Explosive Type Strength Training Improves Neuromuscular and Anaerobic Characteristics in Young Distance Runners. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 28(7), 602-611. Retrieved January 16, 2008, from Academic Search Premier database.

Nummela, A., Kerânen, T., & Mikkelsson, L. (2007, August). Factors Related to Top Running Speed and Economy. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 28(8), 655-661. Retrieved January 16, 2008, doi:10.1055/s-2007-964896

Hay, J. G. (1993). The Biomechanics of Sports Techniques. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

McGinnis, P. (1999). Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Mikkola, J., Rusko, H., Nummela, A., Pollari, T., & Häkkinen, K. (2007, July). Concurrent Endurance and Explosive Type Strength Training Improves Neuromuscular and Anaerobic Characteristics in Young Distance Runners. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 28(7), 602-611. Retrieved January 16, 2008, from Academic Search Premier database.

Nummela, A., Kerânen, T., & Mikkelsson, L. (2007, August). Factors Related to Top Running Speed and Economy. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 28(8), 655-661. Retrieved January 16, 2008, doi:10.1055/s-2007-964896