Acute Changes to FootStrike Pattern Effects on the Biomechanics and Ground Reaction Forces in Collegiate Recreational Runners

Abstract

Running recreationally for health and sport is very popular in college aged populations. However, injuries incurred from running are also very common. In efforts to prevent injury from running, some runners choose to switch foot strike patter and related biomechanics. The acute change from habitual foot strike to a different self-selected foot strike pattern has yet to be studied. The purpose of this study is to look at the acute changes in biomechanics in two dimensions from slow motion video capture and ground reaction forces in three dimensions from a force plate to see if there is a significant difference between the habituated foot strike pattern and the other two self-selected foot strike patterns. This data will help to see if switching foot strike pattern changes the ground reaction forces that can contribute to increased risk of injury.