The Biomechanics Lab in the Department of Kinesiology is seeking volunteers for a research study investigating the influence of footwear on joint mechanics during a prolonged 42 minute run.

What will I do?

Participants will be asked to attend the lab on two occasions for 2.5 hours. During each testing session you will be asked to complete a 42 minute run at your preferred running speed. For the first 21 minutes you will be asked to wear one kind of shoe, and the second 21 minutes you will be asked to wear a different pair. 3D motion capture, which is similar to what is used in the animation or movie industry (eg. Tom Hanks in Polar Express or Gollum in Lord of the Rings) will measure joint moments, muscle activation and joint angles during the protocol.

Prospective participants must meet the following criteria:

 

• Males with size 9-11 feet

 

• Age 18-40 years

 

• Regular recreational runner

 

• Able to run for 40 minutes

 

• No injury/surgery in the past year

 

• Free of any orthopaedic, cardiovascular or neuromuscular conditions

How do I get involved?

If you are interested in contributing to innovative research with implications for providing information to assist in footwear design with industry partners contact Gillian Weir (gweir@umass.edu) to get involved!