ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to provide an understanding of several important biomechanical factors-sports surfaces, footwear, protective equipment and technique-that have an effect on sports injury. After reading this chapter you should be able to:
• list the Important characteristics of a sports surface • understand how specific sports surfaces behave • describe the methods used to assess sports surfaces biomechanically • understand the influence that sports surfaces have on injury • list the biomechanical requirements of a running shoe • describe and sketch the structure of a running shoe and assess the
contribution of its various parts to achieving the biomechanical requirements of the shoe
• understand the influence of footwear on injury in sport and exercise, with particular reference to impact absorption and rearfoot control
• appreciate the injury moderating role of other protective equipment for sport and exercise
• understand the effects of technique on the occurrence of musculoskeletal injury in a variety of sports and exercises.
