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Footfall dynamics for racewalkers and runners barefoot on compliant surfaces
James F Wilson1, Rodger D Rochelle
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, 6319 Mimosa Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA. jwilson@duke.edu
Abstract:
The main purpose of this study is to investigate the role of footfall surface compliance on the physical parameters affecting barefoot racewalkers and runners. These parameters are identified using a new inverted pendulum body model with a forward moving foot pivot. Model correlations of footfall loads measured for four compliant surface mats showed leg-foot compression stiffness for both gaits were in the range of 10.8-12.9 kN/m, with the initial stiffness spikes in the range of 6.5-52 kN/m. The average leg damping factor was about 0.6% for racewalkers and 6% for runners. For both gaits there was negative leg damping just prior to foot lift-off. Compared to the peak reactions for the rigid surface, a mat of intermediate compliance (1020 kN/m) was effective in reducing the runners' peak reaction spikes by as much as 17%.
