ASYMMETRY IN KINEMATIC MEASURES DURING CURVILINEAR RUNNING

Abstract

The ability to perform curvilinear motion underpins many non-linear actions in sports. Previous research in the area would suggest that the inside and outside limbs have different actions in such movements. This study aimed to show any asymmetry during the contact phase, measuring rearfoot, forefoot, and total foot contact times. Data was collected using rear and forefoot footswitches at 500 Hz whilst subjects moved through curved arcs of radii 0, 5, 10 and 15m, at two discrete velocities of 4.4ms·1 and 5.4ms·1. Total foot contact time remained the same, yet greater stride frequency as the curve became tighter meant proportional foot contact time increased. Stride length decreased at the outside leg but not the inside leg, with greater rearfoot contact at the outside leg at tighter radii showing altered function of the two limbs in curvilinear motion.