TO EXAMINE THE DIFFERENCES IN REARFOOT KINEMATICS DURING TREADMILL AND OVERGROUND RUNNING

Abstract

This study examined the differences between the kinematics of rearfoot motion in overground (OG) and treadmill (TM) running. Two subjects ran at various speeds under both conditions and a three-dimensional analysis was performed using the Peak Motus Analysis system. TM running produced repeatable and consistent measures of rearfoot motion across all speeds however OG running was more variable. While there are some differences between the two modes, this can be explained by TM mechanics and TM testing cannot be dismissed based on this. Speed was found to influence most variables making speed control critical in obtaining reliable measures of rearfoot motion. The TM easily and accurately provides this, which advocates its use in locomotion studies. It was concluded that speed control is more important than the mode of running