22nd Annual Student Research Conference
Balance Shifts at Different Running Speeds
Grant D. Henson
Dr. Michael Bird, Faculty Mentor
The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of running speed on center of mass position relative to the weight-bearing foot at foot-strike. Eight recreational runners were tested (♂= 5, ♀=3) with a 5-stage protocol of running speed based upon their 5k Personal Record (PR). Subjects were filmed from the posterior view and data reduction was completed using a Peak Motus 9 System. Running width was evaluated using the foot position with respect to the lumbar vertebrae and body lean was evaluated using the angle between the foot and the back. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the running speeds. No significant differences were found, but runners did significantly favor their right side. While base of support does not appear to change, there may be asymmetry in running for some runners.
Keywords: Balance, Running, Gait
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 46-3
Location: VH 1000
Time: 1:45