Comparing three methods to reduce running ground contact time
Examining the Most Effective Method to Reduce Running Ground Contact Time
NA · Keller Army Community Hospital · NCT06988709
This project tests verbal cueing, a faster metronome cadence, and real-time visual feedback to see which best shortens ground contact time for healthy military runners.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 17 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Keller Army Community Hospital (fed) |
| Locations | 1 site (West Point, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT06988709 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Healthy military service members and USMA cadets who run regularly will complete a baseline comfortable run and then run three retraining conditions at their self-selected speed: a verbal cue to pull the foot off the ground quickly, an auditory metronome set 10% above preferred cadence, and real-time visual feedback from an IMU with a target of 5% below baseline ground contact time. Ground contact time and other spatiotemporal and biomechanical variables will be measured during each condition and compared to baseline. Participants will also report perceived exertion and difficulty and rank which technique felt most natural. The investigators hypothesize all methods will reduce ground contact time, with continuous visual feedback producing the most consistent decrease.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy military service members or USMA cadets aged 17–60 who run at least 2 miles three times per week, can run continuously for at least 15 minutes, and are fluent in English.
Not a fit: People with recent lower-extremity or low back pain or surgery, those who are pregnant or recently postpartum, or those on a running restriction profile are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the best-performing retraining method could help runners reduce ground contact time, potentially improving running efficiency and lowering injury risk.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research shows cadence cues, verbal instructions, and biofeedback can alter running mechanics, but direct head-to-head comparisons of these three methods in military runners are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Military Service Member or USMA cadet between the ages of 17-60 * Run at least 2 miles three times per week for the past 3 months * Able to run for at least 15 continuous minutes at a self-selected speed * Fluent in the English language to read and provide informed consent and follow study instructions Exclusion Criteria: * Lower extremity or low back pain in the previous 3 months * Lower extremity or low back surgery in the previous 6 months * Self-reported pregnancy or given birth within the last 6 months * Currently on a profile that restricts or limits running
Where this trial is running
West Point, New York
- Keller Army Community Hospital — West Point, New York, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jennah Bulen, DPT
- Email: jennah.r.bulen.mil@army.mil
- Phone: 315-774-8350
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Healthy Runners, running, ground, gait, retraining, contact, time