The effect of body composition on running biomechanics
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Do running lower limb kinematics and ground reaction forces differ in runners with different body compositions?
IRAS ID
273100
Contact name
Billy Senington
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Surrey
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 7 months, 5 days
Research summary
Participants
This study will aim to recruit a minimum of 22 healthy participants and a maximum of 24 to provide a range of body compositions and running biomechanics. Inclusion criteria (such as running speeds) will be set following observational data collected (including 5km finishing times) at 3 separate ‘fun run’ events.Instrumentation
Following recruitment, participants will attend one laboratory based testing session which will include a DEXA scan, ISAK restricted profile skin fold measurements and a biomechanical running economy test. During the running economy test a treadmill instrumented with force plates (AMTI) and three-dimensional motion analysis cameras (Qualisys) will collect lower limb biomechanics such as three-dimensional joint angles and ground reaction forces. Along with a portable gas analysis system collecting the participants expired gases.Procedure
Upon arrival, participants will undergo a full body DEXA scan. Following this, reflective markers will be attached to their lower limbs and pelvis. A warm up and a period of familiarisation will be conducted, following which participants will be recorded running on the treadmill for 12 minutes at speeds ranging from approximately 8-12km/h (speed to be decided following the observation highlighted above).Data Analysis
Biomechanical data will first be condensed down to 10 full gait cycles defined using the ground reaction force data. Hip, knee and ankle angles, as well as ground reaction force, will be analysed during these 10 cycles. Participants will then be grouped using body fat and body muscle percentages obtained from the DEXA scans. Differences in running biomechanics between groups will be compared using a 2-way ANOVA.REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
20/NI/0014
Date of REC Opinion
17 Feb 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion