Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical gait patterns of recreational runners across four conditions: a motorized treadmill, two arched non-motorized treadmills (Assault Runner and TrueForm), and outdoor overground running. The study also explored how anthropometric characteristics influence running efficiency across these surfaces.
Methods: Twenty recreational runners completed running trials on each surface while their gait was recorded using the Ochy app, a smartphone-based biomechanical analysis tool. Anthropometric data were collected via the Fit3D ProScanner. Efficiency metrics and positional variables were analyzed across conditions, and correlations with body dimensions were assessed.
Results: Outdoor running and the TrueForm treadmill demonstrated the strongest alignment with efficient gait mechanics. The True Form produced the most robust correlations with anthropometric features such as trunk alignment and limb lengths. The Assault Runner showed moderate correlations, while the motorized treadmill had the weakest biomechanical alignment and was most influenced by body size deviations.
Conclusions: Treadmill design significantly impacts running biomechanics. Arched non-motorized treadmills, particularly the TrueForm, more closely replicate overground running and are better suited for performance training and gait analysis. Smartphone-based gait assessment tools offer a practical alternative to laboratory systems, though further validation in larger samples is warranted.
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International Journal of Physiology, Nutrition and Physical Education
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