The dynamics of running and the possibilities of damping
Name
57570789-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
1.01 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
fda881074ab6d987611547a70f228047
Author(s)
O'Neill, Shaun P. (Shaun Patrick), 1982-
Advisor(s)
Ernesto Blanco.
Date Issued
2004
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
Running and jogging (a slower, more rhythmic form of running) have become increasingly popular today. An unfortunate by-product of this broad interest in running has been the growing incidence of overuse injuries (the result of repetitive microtrauma to the tendons, bones and joints). The increase in the number of people who run in order to improve their physical fitness has been accompanied by an increase in the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries due to running. Laboratory studies that analyzed an athlete s gait (pattern of walking or running) have determined that when running on level surfaces, the initial impact forces exerted on the lower extremities are two to three times the individual's body weight. This report aims to address the problem of running and jogging injuries by examining the forces exerted on the body and developing a foot attachment that would minimize the possibility of injury. These impact force peaks may be accompanied by high stresses on bones and joint surfaces. A major shock absorbing creation will allow these runners to continue to train and prepare when they might otherwise be injured by either preventing such injuries or by providing enough cushion to allow the runners to maintain training when injured. In this report a product was developed that would improve the wide world of sports. This product, comprised of a spring and damper system, was designed to address the detrimental consequences of the harsh impact force while restoring energy that is usually lost in impact. Preliminary testing has shown that this product has a high potential for successfully fulfilling this purpose. Further testing would be necessary to develop this product into a truly revolutionary advancement to the
(cont.) world of running as we know it.
Description
Thesis (S.B.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 2004.
Includes bibliographical references (leaf 27).
Subjects
Mechanical Engineering.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering
Terms of Use
M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.
Persistent DSpace Link
