THE EFFECT OF COMPLIANT RUNNING ON IMPACT ACCELERATIONS AND ENERGY EXPENDITURE

Abstract

This study examined the effect that a compliant running style has on impact accelerations and energy expenditure, in comparison to normal running. Twelve subjects completed a three week familiarization protocol followed by two separate testing days. Impact accelerations were measured with a Myomonitor wireless system (DELSYS, USA) and oxygen kinetics were recorded during a 6 minute trial using a Vmax gas flow sensor and analyser (Vmax system, Sensor Medics, VIASYS Healthcare, Netherlands) to determine energy expenditure. Compliant running resulted in a significant decrease in sacral (27%) and head (39%) impact accelerations, a non-significant decrease in tibia (21%) impact accelerations, and a significant increase in energy expenditure (23%).