The dynamics of running and the possibilities of damping

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.