A comparative biomechanical analysis involving the use of track spikes and racing flats for distance competition

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Authors
Lewis, James P., M.A.
Advisor
Issue Date
1988
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (M.A.)
Department
School of Physical Education
Other Identifiers
Abstract

This study was designed to measure the biomechanical changes that would occur between the use of track spikes and racing flats for a distance running pace of approximately 10 minutes for 2 miles. A total of three Ball State University students served as subjects for the study. They were filmed while running paced trials in both spikes and flats for an approximate distance of 50 meters. The subjects were timed during the last 15 yards after they had built up speed to target pace. The trials that were as close to target pace and to each other were used for analysis of the biomechanical parameters of stride length and stride frequency, support and non-support time, the angle of the lower leg at takeoff and the velocity angle of the center of gravity at takeoff. Results indicated that the velocity of the center of gravity showed significant difference between the use of the two shoe types when computed using statistical tests on the means. It was concluded that within the limitations of this study track spikes could serve as an additional avenue of biomechanical improvement, due to increased velocity, and that a difference in running performance can occur without the intervention of a coach or a purposeful change in technique on the part of the runner.

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