LEG STIFFNESS DURING JOGGING ON SMALL CURVED PATH

The aim of this study was to describe the mechanics of curved running using spring-mass model. We hypothesized that 1) the leg spring stiffness in curved running is greater than in straight running, and 2) outside leg stiffness is greater than inside during curved running. Ten male participated in this study. All participants performed 3 types of running. Data were collected by 2 forceplates and a motion capture system. Mechanical parameters of spring-mass model (leg force, leg compression, and leg stiffness) were calculated. The leg forces were smaller for curved running than straight running. The leg compression of curve-outside trial was smallest among trials. The leg stiffness of curveoutside was largest among trials. Therefore, runners would use their outside leg stiffer during curved running