Page 4 - 2021-2022 Impact Report

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"In studying running biomechanics, my goal is to understand how we can best guide runners to reach their fullest potential in human performance while mitigating their risk for injury. I am especially interested in the mechanics of uphill and downhill running, as I work with several trail runners as a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Hill running adds an element of technical challenge that places unique stresses on the body, and finding ways to optimize hill running technique would help these athletes better manage
these stressors.
Most individuals who run will eventually experience a running related injury, so this is a problem that impacts thousands of people each year.
It's no secret that running provides a slew of health benefits - both physical and mental - but along with these benefits comes risk of overuse injury to muscles, tendons, and bone. These injuries are not only economically costly due to healthcare costs, but also costly to runners' lifestyles and physical well-being. I believe running can be an incredible, life-long activity if it is managed well. I hope my research plays one small part in helping people experience the joy and freedom of running.
Funding is essential to every research endeavor! The ARCS award gives me a little more financial stability so that I can pursue my PhD with some of the stress relieved. Being part of a community of scholars also pushes me to do better work. I love hearing about the breadth of topics that my peers are diving into."
Rachel Robinson Department of Human Physiology UO
The Kenda & Ken Singer Scholar