Changes in Running Gait Complexity Due to a 12-Week Progressive Running Training Program in Novice Runners
Study on How Running Changes Over Time
Brief description of study.
Detailed description of study
We measure how your lower extremity, center of mass, and head move before, during, and at the end of the running training program. The running training includes a typical week of running for you plus 12 weeks of progressively increasing your mileage (13 weeks total). If you are enrolled in the study, you will be asked to come into the IU Biomechanics laboratory (Bloomington, IN) to perform a gait analysis to examine your running form at the start of the training program, after the 4th week, and after the 12th week of the training program. The gait analysis involves running over-ground in the lab and on a treadmill with sensors placed on your feet, legs, hips, and head. The treadmill run will simulate a normal run for you, in either time or miles. Following the visit to the lab for the baseline analysis, you will be given a foot pod and activity monitor to track your running mileage and general activity. You will be given a running training program to follow that has you performing your normal weekly running mileage for week 1 and then progressively increases your weekly running mileage using a periodization of three, 4-week cycles. For each cycle, your weekly mileage will be increased by 15% during the three “loading weeks” followed by a “recovery week” (i.e. 4th week) for which your weekly mileage will be reduced by 20% relative to the third week. If you are in the control group, you will be asked not to change your normal weekly running mileage or running speed over the 13-week enrollment period. At the end of the 13th week, you will return your foot pod and activity monitor and receive a gift card.
Eligibility of study
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:
- Conditions: healthy,novice runner,runner,running,exercise,fitness,physical activity
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Age: 18 years - 40 years
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Gender: All
Began running at least 6 months ago or no more than 10 years ago.
Can run continuously for 30 minutes
Run an average of 6-30 miles per week
Have been averaging at least 6 miles per week for the previous 3 months
Own a smart phone or tablet with Bluetooth capability
Exclusion Criteria
Regularly smoke tobacco
Sustained an injury to the lower extremity or back in the past six weeks that caused them to decrease or suspend their running training and they have not yet returned to their normal weekly running mileage
History of back or lower extremity surgery
History of any neurological or musculoskeletal pathologies or diseases
History of cardiovascular or pulmonary disease
This study investigates how running form changes after different running training programs. Researchers want to see if there are changes in a person's running style after a long treadmill run, a 3-week training program, and a 12-week training program. Running form includes how the legs, center of mass, and head move while running.
Participants will have their running form analyzed in a lab setting at the start, after 4 weeks, and after 12 weeks of training. This involves running on a treadmill and over-ground with sensors on various parts of the body. Participants will be given a foot pod and activity monitor to track their running. They will follow a training program that gradually increases their weekly running mileage.
- Who can participate: Adults aged 18-40 who have been running for at least 6 months and can run continuously for 30 minutes are eligible. Participants should run 6-30 miles per week and own a smartphone or tablet with Bluetooth. Those with recent injuries or certain medical histories are excluded.
- Study details: Participants will visit the lab for gait analysis at three points during the study. They will follow a running program with increasing mileage. A control group will maintain their normal routine. A placebo is not involved in this study.
- Study Timelines and Visits: The study will last 13 weeks. The study requires 3 visits.