Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Meghan Blanks, Senior Christina Zlock, Senior Anthony Dioguardi, Senior
Lead Presenter's Name
Meghan Blanks
Faculty Mentor Name
Victor Huayamave
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Abstract
It is known from prior research that when a subject’s hands are held in a fixed position whilst running, the lower body compensates, therefore creating additional stresses on the lower back. Due to this, it is theorized that if full range of motion is allowed in the arms while running, the rest of the body will move more comfortably and without compensation. This would reduce the risk of a mechanopathological injury from consistently running with fixed arms, such as when using a stroller. In addition, if an energy conversion system is applied, the momentum from the runner's arm swing can be further added to the stroller's motion to create a more efficient and natural run with the stroller. To research this problem, the group designed and built a stroller attachment that simulates the motion of an elliptical to allow the user full range of arm motion. Testing of the attachments on the stroller to validate the ergonomically designed handlebars, as well as comfortability is being performed. A comparison of the gait cycle will also be tested to see variance from running freely, constrained, and using the stroller attachments. Once finished, this research will be applied to better the jogging stroller attachments so as to create an efficient and cost effective device.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
Yes, Student Internal Grants
Stroller Attachment to Promote Natural Coordination in Running Gait
It is known from prior research that when a subject’s hands are held in a fixed position whilst running, the lower body compensates, therefore creating additional stresses on the lower back. Due to this, it is theorized that if full range of motion is allowed in the arms while running, the rest of the body will move more comfortably and without compensation. This would reduce the risk of a mechanopathological injury from consistently running with fixed arms, such as when using a stroller. In addition, if an energy conversion system is applied, the momentum from the runner's arm swing can be further added to the stroller's motion to create a more efficient and natural run with the stroller. To research this problem, the group designed and built a stroller attachment that simulates the motion of an elliptical to allow the user full range of arm motion. Testing of the attachments on the stroller to validate the ergonomically designed handlebars, as well as comfortability is being performed. A comparison of the gait cycle will also be tested to see variance from running freely, constrained, and using the stroller attachments. Once finished, this research will be applied to better the jogging stroller attachments so as to create an efficient and cost effective device.