A novel method for evaluating loading rate during running regardless of impact peak

There are several methods for computing average vertical loading rate (AVLR) in the literature. In this analysis we developed a novel method (the 3-12% auto method) and compared it to 2 methods of computation previously established in the literature (the 3-12% method and 20-80% method). The 3 methods demonstrated good inter-method agreement [ICC (2, 5) .848]. Moderate to strong correlations were found (r (60) =.503-.960, p< .05) indicating significant linear relationships between the 3 methods, with the strongest relationship between the 3-12% auto and 20-80% methods. The results suggest that the 3-12% auto method may serve as a suitable, reliable alternative to compute AVLR regardless of impact peak presence / occurrence.