Ground contact time balance meaning

Former Member over 5 years ago

Hello all

I have a very simple question that I can't get my head around. What is the meaning of the GCT Balance (GCTB) for my running form? For example, if the GCTB shows Left 48% - 52% Right, does it mean that my right leg is injured or the left? Is it the leg that you keep longer on the ground the injured or the other way around? In most of the cases I have 50-50 or slight deviation from that (eg 49.8-50.2).

My experience is not conclusive. Sometimes I balance more with the injured and sometimes more with the strong leg.

What is your experience?

Thanks

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0 Dr Phil over 5 years ago

It doesn't mean one leg is necessarily more injured than the other. Of course that could be the case. It just means there is the possibility of an imbalance that could be due to injury, simple biomechanics, or even the running surface.

0 Former Member over 5 years ago in reply to Dr Phil

When this imbalance is due to injury, which side stays longer on the ground, the injured side or the strong side?

0 Dr Phil over 5 years ago in reply to Former Member

I suspect it wold depend on the nature of the injury. Blisters would tend to make you land the foot lighter and lift it quicker. Perhaps a musculoskeletal injury would have the opposite effect.

0 tmk2 over 5 years ago in reply to Former Member

Typically the weaker/injured leg stays longer on the ground, but again, this is a complex topic, and some individuals could see opposite results.

0 Former Member over 5 years ago in reply to tmk2

It makes sense as I also see contradictory results. The blister-type or nail-type of injury is indeed something to look at next time I get it.

0 J117 over 5 years ago in reply to Former Member

I broke my femur and it helped me realize I was favoring my good leg alot. Even a year later I still see 47/53 when it's feeling bad after I stress the titanium rodnor bolts.

0 Former Member over 5 years ago in reply to J117

The 47% is on the titanium-leg or on the strong leg?

0 Former Member over 5 years ago

It means you preference your right leg. Only you can tell us why that is :)