A PROCEDURE FOR QUANTITATIVE KINEMATIC ANALYSIS IN RUNNING ON TREADMILL

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to describe and test a method and a special developed software package capable of doing a complete 3-D kinematic analysis in treadmill running, including the assessment of kinematic asymmetries by a simultaneous right and left analysis. A pilot study using 8 recreational runners demonstrated that accurate and repeatable quantitative data can be collected and analyzed with the procedure. Comparison of specific kinematic data with literature studies revealed same significant difference in total joint range of motion. Some measurements and samples plots are also presented and discussed. The method and the user friendly software presented here seems to be an useful tool for scientists, trainers and athletes to assess and evaluate biomechanical data during running.