The effect of manipulating vertical motion on running economy

Author

Claire Copriviza, Humboldt State UniversityFollow

Graduation Date

Spring 2019

Document Type

Thesis

Program

Master of Science degree with a major in Kinesiology, option Exercise Science

Committee Chair Name

Justus Ortega

Committee Chair Affiliation

HSU Faculty or Staff

Second Committee Member Name

Whitney Ogle

Second Committee Member Affiliation

HSU Faculty or Staff

Third Committee Member Name

Boe Burrus

Third Committee Member Affiliation

Community Member or Outside Professional

Keywords

Running, Vertical motion, Running economy, Biomechanics, Vertical oscillation

Subject Categories

Kinesiology

Abstract

While several biomechanical factors have been identified as key determinants of running economy (i.e. metabolic cost), the influence of individual mechanical factors such as center of mass vertical motion (ΔCoM_z) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine how manipulating ΔCoM_z effects running economy. Twelve runners used a visual biofeedback system to control their ΔCoM_z during running as we measured the metabolic, kinematic, and muscle activation responses to the different levels of ΔCoM_z. Running economy was strongly correlated to ΔCoM_z and was optimized at an intermediate center of mass vertical motion of 6-8cm. Changes in ΔCoM_z were associated with changes in ground contact time (TC), stride length (SL), and peak knee flexion angle, as well as the magnitude of Biceps Femoris (BF), Vastus Lateralis (VL), and Tibialis Anterior (TA) muscle activation.

Citation Style

APA

Recommended Citation

Copriviza, Claire, "The effect of manipulating vertical motion on running economy" (2019). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 248.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/248