EFFECT OF FORCE PLATFORM SURFACE ON GROUND REACTION PEAK FORCE

Abstract

Repeated running and walking at a preferred speed across the two alternative surface covers was the basis of a comparison of peak force measures. These were obtained using a polyflex surface mounted on two force platforms, within a polyflex track system, with those obtained with a metal surface interface. When both the first and second foot strikes were considered within a stride, measures of peak impact and peak propulsion were almost the same. Mean ±s.e. measures were 2.021±0.068 BW and of 2.620±0.033 BW respectively for the polyflex and 1.987±0.066 BW and 2.607±0.031 BW respectively for the metal cover at a running speed of 3.9±0.09ms-1. Peak braking forces did not differ significantly between the surface coves. In running, the 0.017m of polyflex on the 0.004m aluminium base plate did not significantly attenuate peak vertical forces or braking forces.