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Biomechanical differences between overground and treadmill running in professional runnersa pilot study.
Michał Stankiewicz1, Szymon Saternus1, Michalina Błażkiewicz2
11Military University of Technology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Warsaw, Poland.
Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics
|December 12, 2025
Summary
Treadmill running changes lower limb biomechanics, reducing ground contact time and movement variability compared to overground running. These differences may impact physiotherapy applications, suggesting treadmills should supplement, not replace, overground training.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Science
- Physiotherapy
Background:
- Understanding running biomechanics is crucial for training and rehabilitation.
- Treadmill training is widely used but may alter natural running mechanics.
Purpose of the Study:
- Compare biomechanical parameters between overground and treadmill running.
- Assess the implications of these differences for treadmill training efficacy.
- Evaluate the relevance of these findings for physiotherapy interventions.
Main Methods:
- Ten professional runners were analyzed using 10-camera motion capture and high-speed cameras.
- Biomechanical data were collected during overground running and replicated on a treadmill.
- Key parameters included step length, knee angles, ground contact time, and heel velocity.
Main Results:
- Treadmill running resulted in a 3% longer and less variable step length (p < 0.001).
- Ground contact time decreased by 12% and heel velocity by 19% on the treadmill (p < 0.0001).
- Knee-flexion angle varied by surface and side, with reduced variability on the treadmill.
Conclusions:
- Treadmill running significantly alters lower limb biomechanics, characterized by reduced ground contact time and movement variability.
- The consistent mechanics on treadmills may benefit physiotherapy, especially for hamstring injuries.
- Treadmill training should complement, not substitute, overground running due to differences in natural condition replication.
