INTRODUCTION

Physiological research of running has led to understanding the physiological benefits of running, specifically the cardiovascular benefits (Vaughan, 1984). The biomechanical effects of running are equally important in understanding the benefits of running. Training specificity has been introduced as a way to improve specific biomechanical functions of running (Tanaka and Swensen, 1998). One example of training specificity is resistance training which is the use of a force or weight acting as an opposite force of the running momentum. Research has proven that resistance training improves performance by strengthening running specific muscles (Delecluse, 1997). There are many types of resistance training including increased gradient training, altitude training, wind resistance training, use of parachutes and weight. All of these things are an attempt to add stress to the running process, therefore strengthening running specific muscles and increasing performance. We would like to see an example of resistance training and see its effects on running gait. What effect does resistance training have on gait and how does this vary from normal, uninhibited running?

Our group is interested in maximum performance output and since resistance training is a way to improve performance we are interested in knowing more about it and finding any potential biomechanical problems associated with this type of training. We are going to use a treadmill for the comparison using a constant cadence so both uninhibited running and resistance running will be the same, excluding the force acting against the resistance runner. That force will be a rope or a cord around the waist of the runner on the treadmill. By doing this we can compare the two movements and determine differences. There is an emphasis on the change that the force acting against the runner causes, if any. Through this comparison we will be able to determine the differences between the two movements and conclude the possible benefits of resistance training for runners in recreational and elite athletes.