Calcaneal tendon force while jogging was estimated using an inverse dynamics model. Subjects ran in traditional running shoes, minimalist running shoes, and barefoot. Traditional shoes had a heel-toe drop of greater than 10 millimeters, while minimalist shoes were less than five millimeters. Repeatability testing indicated accuracy to within 2.6 times subject body weight. Average maximum estimated calcaneal tendon force was 9.5 ± 2.8 for barefoot trials, 9.9 ± 3.8 for minimalist trials, and 8.2 ± 2.2 for traditional shod trials. Forces were normalized to subject body mass and are unit less. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated no statistical significance between trial types (p>.05, n=14). Results indicate further study of transition from traditional to minimalist shoes.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Andruskiewicz, Mason Douglas
• McLaughlin, James John
• Cicchetti, Jennifer Marie
• Liguori, Thomas Joseph

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042313-210128

Advisor

• Savilonis, Brian James

Year

• 2013

Date created

• 2013-04-23

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biomedical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright