Biomechanics: The Science of Movement

When you go for a jog, are you focused only on the miles ahead? Running might seem simple to us, but running requires the effective coordination of hundreds of muscles and joints, as well as the underlying physiological processes that govern and support them. How is your hip extension? Do you tend to overstride when you run? What about your posture?

The basic biomechanics of running involves contact with the ground, “flight time,” stride length, stride rate, and the motion of the joints. Small differences in the interactions of the muscles, joints, and physiology can affect the biomechanics of the runner. Scientists use sophisticated technology to help them understand the details of this complicated process.

Steven McCaw, PhD., professor emeritus of biomechanics in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation at Illinois State University, will bring us the latest research and advances in the science of running. If you are one of millions of Americans who run for exercise or recreation, you won’t want to miss this event. Join Chicago Council on Science and Technology for Biomechanics: The Science of Movement, conveniently presented in conjunction with the Transamerica Chicago Triathlon Toyota Multisport & Fitness Expo.

Dr. McCaw will explain how to translate the latest scientific research into practical steps for reducing injury and selecting footwear. He will also address the important transition from the bike to the running portion of a triathlon. McCaw has co-written 42 manuscripts in refereed journals, and authorized the 2014 book Biomechanics for Dummies for the popular Wiley Dummies series.

Admission to the Transamerica Chicago Triathlon Toyota Multisport and Fitness Expo is free and so is our program! Whether you are participating in this year’s triathlon, a novice runner or old to the sport, or involved in the sports industry, this program will have something for you.

DETAILS: Doors open at 11:00 a.m., program with Q&A 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave., Boulevard Room, 2nd Floor. Please arrive early, as the lecture and Q&A will fill up, and admittance is on a first come, first-served basis. For more information, visit www.c2st.org, or contact Andrea Poet at 312-567-5795 or apoet@c2st.org.

ABOUT C2ST: Chicago Council of Science and Technology is a not-for-profit, membership-based organization that brings researchers and scientists out of the lab, directly to you. We work with national laboratories, leading academic institutions and museums to educate the public on issues of critical scientific importance. In an age, when barely one in four voting adults meet a basic level of scientific literacy, we aim to reignite and excitement and passion for science and technology, and remind Chicagoans of the quality and quantity of R&D that takes place in their backyard.