The Effects of Speed and Surface Compliance on Shock Attenuation Characteristics for Male and Female Runners

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of running speed and surface compliance on shock attenuation (SA) characteristics for male and female runners. We were also interested in identifying possible kinematic explanations, specifically, kinematics of the lower extremity at foot-ground contact, for anticipated gender differences in SA. Fourteen volunteer recreational runners (7 male, 7 female) ran at preferred and slow speeds on an adjustable bed treadmill, which simulated soft, medium, and hard surface conditions. Selected kinematic descriptors of lower extremity kinematics as well as leg and head peak impact acceleration values were obtained for 10 left leg contacts per subject-condition. Results identified significant SA values between genders across conditions and more specifically, across surfaces for females, with male runners demonstrating a similar trend. Regression modeling to predict SA by gender for surface conditions elicited unremarkable results, ranging from 30.9 to 59.9% explained variance. It appears that surface compliance does affect SA during running; however, the runner’s ability to dissipate the shock wave may not be expressly explained by our definition of lower extremity kinematics at contact.