19th Annual Student Research Conference
Human Potential and Performance
Physiological and biomechanical comparison of heel-toe running and the Pose technique
Dorothy D. Matta*, April Carter, Breena Helle, and Nicole Helle
Dr. Alex J. Koch and Dr. Michael Bird, Faculty Mentors
The purpose of this study was to compare the physiological and biomechanical differences between heel-toe running and the Pose technique. After 15 heel-toe runners (age: 22.5±5.8 years, wt: 65.5±13.5 kg) performed Bruce Protocol VO2max tests, gross efficiency was determined by a 20-minute run performed at 70% of each subject’s VO2max. Running mechanics at this speed were analyzed using Peak Motus; three strides with ground reaction force data were used. After 5 consecutive days (1.5 hours/day) of Pose technique training, the pretest procedures were repeated. Paired t-tests were used to compare pretest and posttest data. The Pose technique significantly decreased knee angles at foot-strike, maximum knee flexion during swing, and support time, while significantly increasing non-support time and peak anteroposterior propulsive force from heel-toe running (p<0.05). The Pose technique significantly decreased cardiovascular efficiency (p<0.05) compared to heel-toe running. The Pose technique may not improve running efficiency or mechanics.
Keywords: gait, pose technique, running, heel-toe, running economy, running efficiency
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 48-2
Location: VH 1000
Time: 3:00