Overview
Ben Rushgrove is a successful Paralympic Sprinter who, since he was talent spotted at the age of 16, has broken the T36 200 metre world record and won silver medal for the T36 100 metres at the Beijing Paralympics in 2008.
In spite of these successes, Ben’s disability affects his fundamental motor control and makes him particularly prone to injury. Ben has suffered from a number of injuries to his foot and ankle, which are an ongoing concern and badly affect his training.
Loughborough Expertise
Ben and his coach, Rob Elchuk, approached the Institute and our researchers conducted in depth analyses of Ben’s gait and the impact made with the ground whilst he was sprinting using high speed video footage. It was identified that Ben’s disability caused a lack of muscular control on the medial side of his foot, resulting in exaggerated pronation dynamics and consequently severe foot injures.
Outcome
Loughborough researchers designed and manufactured a number of footwear concepts in an attempt to address Ben’s atypical biomechanics. This research has helped Ben’s podiatrist to build sprint spike orthotics that control Ben’s running style and help prevent injury. Following surgery to correct knee problems attributed to previous cartilage damage, Ben is now training hard for the World Championships in New Zealand January 2011 where he is looking to fulfil his potential to win gold and break the T36 100 mts world record.
View the trailer for "BEN", a documentary film that follows Ben in his quest to overcome his problems and win gold >
Contact
Dr John Edwards
E:
j.m.edwards@lboro.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)1509 227659