The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of different surfaces on lower limb motion and encountered pressures at two locations on the plantar surface of the right foot. Nine females performed five trials for each of four surface conditions. The results provided no evidence for surface-related changes in experienced foot contact pressures. Both asphalt and grass surfaces resulted in the shortest relative time of forefoot immobility. No surface related differences were found for the range of pronation.

Eighteen subjects each performed fifty-five trials which consisted of assuming an initial stance and then in response to a visual stimulus running to either the left or right. For each trial both the foot width spacing and orientation of the feet were varied. Direct and indirect measurements were taken of selected temporal and kinematic parameters. The conclusions were that no interactions or differences exist among foot width spacing, foot orientation, and direction of movement; the jab step start is the preferred initial movement; the preferred foot width spacing is 46.6 centimeters; the preferred angular orientation of both feet is approximately 1.36 radians.

The aim of this study was to examine personal running histories of one successful and one less successful Swedish female runner. The focus was on finding the motivating and demotivating factors in becoming a runner, and major differences between the successful and the less successful runner. The theoretical frameworks- transtheoretical model and selfdetermination theory- were used as guides when conducting two narrative interviews. Data analysis was based on the recommendations of the Narrative Oriented Inquiry (NOI) model. Sjuzet and fabula, holistic content and categorical content analyses were the three analyses chosen out of the six recommended in the NOI model. The holistic content analysis resulted in narratives about each participant life background and previous training, personal history to become a runner, and present time and future plans for running. The categorical-content analysis revealed eight motivating factors for running, four demotivating factors for running and three themes contrasting the participants. Results are discussed in relation to the theoretical frameworks and previous research.

The sample included 29 healthy competitive male distance runners. Bilateral measurements were taken for selected variables of the talocalcaneal flexibility by means of a mechanical goniometer, and of the peak isokinetic knee strength on a Cybex II device. The frontal and horizontal plane motions of the lower limbs of the subjects were recorded by high speed filming and videotaping while they were running on a motor driven treadmill at their training pace under two conditions: with running shoes and barefoot. A detailed description of each runner's history was obtained and bilateral dominance characteristics were determined. Significant functional asymmetries were found for subtalar joint flexibility (eversion, inversion, and eversion/inversion ratio) and peak isokinetic knee strength (flexion, extension, total, and flexion/extension ratio). Significant kinematic asymmetries were revealed during the foot support phase in lower leg angle, rearfoot angle, mediolateral velocity of the foot, and in some temporal parameters. The two running conditions differed significantly only for the pretouchdown phase of support. Significant trends of association were identified between selected components of the lower limb functional and kinematical asymmetries which were characterized by consistent laterality patterns. Multivariate asymmetry components and running injury patterns were independent. Only asymmetries in foot pronation during barefoot running tended to significantly differentiate between runners grouped by injury incidence. The phenomenon of functional and kinematic asymmetries in runners is warranted.

Thesis (M.A.)--York University, 2007. Graduate Programme in Kinesiology and Health Science. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 140-159). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&res_dat=xri:pqdiss&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:MR29582

Thesis (M.S.)--Brigham Young University. Dept. of Exercise Sciences, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1984.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1984.

Twenty-one male subjects volunteered to participate in this study of the effects of an u1tramarathon run under competitive conditions. Selected anthropometric measurements were made before and after the race. Blood samples were taken before, and within 10 min. of completing the race. Haematocrit and cortisol concentrations were analysed from each sample. Three ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) - local, central and overall, were obtained at two-hourly intervals throughout the race. The shortened form of the Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI) was administered before the race. The Profile of Mood States (POMS) test was completed both before and immediately after the race. The average running intensity was estimated to be about 32% VO₂max which would not have caused major lactate accumulation. Repetitive compressive forces as a result of heel-strike resulted in intervertebral disc fluid loss. This resulted in a significant (p<0.05) decrease in stature after the race. Mobilization of glycogen, trig1ycerides and protein for metabolism as well as fluid loss via sweat resulted in significantly decreased body mass after the race. Plasma volume and serum cortisol concentrations were significantly increased after the race compared to pre-race baseline levels. Local RPE responses were dominant throughout the entire race, followed by overall RPE. Running 160 km had an effect on mood state. "Depression", "fatigue" and "confusion" (profile of Mood states) were all significantly increased compared to pre-race scores. Sleep deprivation as a result of running through the night was probably an important contributing factor. The anthropometric profile of the ultramarathon runners in this sample was more like that of the general population than elite marathon runners from the literature. The ultramarathon runners were more extroverted than elite marathon runners, but exhibited a similar Profile of Mood state before the race. The stressor - running 160 km - resulted in a 'strain response'. This was evident in the decreased stature and mass, and increased serum cortisol, "depression", "confusion" and above all "fatigue".

Please read the abstract (Synopsis) in the section 00front of this document / Dissertation (MA (Human Movement Sciences))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Biokinetics, Sport and Leisure Sciences / MA / unrestricted