ACUTE EFFECTS OF SURFACE TYPE ON BIOMECHANICAL PARAMETERS OF RUNNING

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine whether an acute bout of exercise on a compliant versus non-compliant surface could reveal biomechanical indicators of injury. Twelve college-aged seasoned cross-country runners performed two bouts of 20 minute runs, one on grass and one on asphalt, one week apart. Changes (pre vs. post) measures in contact time (s), impulse (Ns) and peak vertical force (N) showed no significant differences based on surface type. The results show that an acute bout of exercise on either surface will not be different in terms of potential for injury. However, the chronic effects of running on different surfaces should be examined using fatigue levels to determine.