Impact Forces
Developing Novel Theories to Reduce Chronic Injuries
2017
3 weeks
Track and field pole vault athletes experience repetitive forces
Sustaining these repetitive strains over years cause the body, even bones, to start breaking down. This break down is commonly known as chronic injuries. In pole vaulting include the most common forms are; shin splints, patella knee tendinitis, and stress fractures.
Impact Forces is a solution.
Research
01 Kinematics & Kinetics
Research began by mapping out the phases of walking and the muscles involved in each phase. These phases are illustrated and labeled on the figures below and include: Heel Strike (HS), Foot Flat (FF), Mid Stance (MST), Toe Off (TO), Initial Swing (IS), Mid Swing (MS), and Terminal Swing (TS).
Using video analysis the velocities of each section of the leg per phase were determined. That data is illustrated on the graph and corresponds to the walking phase and leg section of the figures.
02 Acceleration & Force
Once the velocities and times were known the acceleration was calculated and muscles under the greatest stress identified.
Insight Conclusion
The majority of force absorption by muscles occurs in the terminal swing and heel strike from controlling rapid deceleration. Since shin splints and distal knee tendinitis are usually caused by an overstraining of the muscles of the lower leg reducing force in these phases will could help prevent these injuries.
Stress Fractures occur from repeated high impact, or ground reaction force. Since the impact is highest at take off, or heel strike - toe off, impact padding will reduce the risk of fractures.
Design Process
Several forms were explored from the perspective of force transfer in the shape of the heel. Secondly, padding and arch support were included to limit initial shock absorption.
Final Concept
01
Redesigned heel shape for limited torque and overstrains of venerable muscle groups. Addressing shin splints and knee tendinitis.
02
Padding and arch support respond to the high impact forces of take off and assist in reducing the risk of stress fractures.
