The Biomechanics Laboratory
Welcome to the Biomechanics Laboratory
Recent research in the biomechanics lab conducted by Honors Student Erin Heald focused on the effects of cross-sloped road surfaces on the joint mechanics of recreational female runners. Eleven recreational female runners volunteered to run on a treadmill at a moderate pace of 8 min per mile in three conditions: level, 5⁰ of lateral elevation, and 5⁰ of medial elevation. Results indicated that rearfoot eversion at foot strike, peak hip adduction, and peak dorsiflexion were all significantly greater for the laterally elevated condition compared to the medially elevated condition. Knee valgus, pelvic tilt, and sagittal plane joint motions were not significantly different between conditions. These results help us understand how the body reacts to cross-sloped surfaces, and the implications for potential injuries.
PRINCIPLE INVESTIGATOR:
Ray McCoy, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Kinesiology & Health Sciences
The College of William & Mary
P.O. Box 8795
Williamsburg, VA 23185
