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Physiological, kinematic and psychophysical differences between overground and treadmill running.

Olivier, Steve

Authors

Steve Olivier



Abstract

In order to simulate overground walking and running, the motordriven treadmill is only used in physiological, kinematic and psychophysical studies of human emotion. Primarily because of the convenience and control that it offers, the treadmill has played an important role in the development of sports science and allied disciplines. However, the results of studies utilising the treadmill can only he extrapolated to overground situations if there are no demonstrable, significant differences between the two modes of locomotion. This paper serves to examine the literature in order to clarify the issues involved for researchers. The review indicates that while the treadmill is a convenient tool to assess responses to physical work, some caution should be applied when extrapolating certain kinds of data obtained under certain kinds of conditions. These might include kinematic variables at speeds in excess of 5 metres per second, using a treadmill for shoe or orthotic assessment, and for obtaining psychophysical measures, which depend to some degree on cognitive appraisal. When workloads are matched, it seems that measures of oxygen consumption are equivalent for the two conditions. Finally, researchers need to consider the issue of sufficient habituation to treadmill locomotion, as this may reduce possible differences when comparing the two modes of locomotion. In conclusion, the treadmill is a valuable tool in research investigating responses to physical work. Much of this research is however concerned with extrapolation to "real world" environments, and researchers should be aware of possible differences between the two modes of locomotion under certain conditions.

Citation

OLIVIER, S. 1997. Physiological, kinematic and psychophysical differences between overground and treadmill running. South African journal of sports medicine [online], 4(4), pages 17-20. Available from: https://doi.org/10.17159/2078-516X/1997/v4i4a913

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Nov 30, 1997
Online Publication Date Dec 15, 1997
Publication Date Nov 30, 1997
Deposit Date Feb 2, 2022
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal South African journal of sports medicine
Print ISSN 1015-5163
Electronic ISSN 2078-516X
Publisher Health and Medical Publishing Group
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 4
Issue 4
Pages 17-20
DOI https://doi.org/10.17159/2078-516X/1997/v4i4a913
Keywords Treadmills; Running; Sports science; Sports medicine; Research equipment; Research methods
Public URL https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1579631

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