Comparison of a Runner’s Biomechanics on Different Surfaces

Focused clinical question: Athletic patients tend to run on different surfaces: treadmills and overground. Do those two surfaces change the biomechanics of a runner’s form? Clinical Bottom Line: The evidence supported that overground stride changed significantly throughout the run compared to the treadmill. Summary Key Findings: Four studies were found that are relevant to the question asked. All 4 studies are considered repeated-measures design and a level 2. One study found stride length and frequency are opposite on the two surfaces. While another study found velocity changed mechanics and surface had no effect on mechanics. Strength of Recommendation: We determined these studies to be a strength of recommendation of B. The majority of these studies support the same conclusion that there is a difference between biomechanics while running on different surfaces. But there is one that has no evidence of change. Key Words: Stride length, Treadmill running, Overground runnin