THE EFFECT OF SELECTED SPORT SURFACES ON GROUND REACTION FORCES IN WALKING AND RUNNING

Introduction During physical activity, the human body exerts force against its environment. Previous research indicates that the body is exposed to magnitudes of force equaling 2 to 3 times body weight in running (Bates, 1985 & Dickinson, Cook & Leinhardt, 1985) and 1.1 to 1.3 times body weight in walking (Cavanagh, 1980). The magnitude and duration of these forces are a potential source of physical injury. Most biomechanical research in locomotion has examined the role offootwear. However, there is not enough information on the absorption capacity of shoes to determine their safety limit and the ground reaction force is relatively unaffected by footwear changes (Clarke, Frederick & Hamill, 1984).