The purpose of the study was to evaluate and compare running technique modifications induced by changes in training media.

In each media, treadmill, shallow, and deep water, two synchronized video cameras recorded six volunteer subjects (three female and three male) running five trials at three rates of perceived exertion (RPE, at 13, 15, and 18). Heart rate, cycle time, and kinematic data describing ankle, knee, and hip joints and rearfoot (inversion/eversion) ranges of motion (ROM) were collected. Two-factor repeated measures ANOVAs were used to evaluate group data, while single subject ANOVAs and Model Statistics were used for subsequent analyses of within-subject variations.

All subjects showed reduced heart rates in water, both at-rest and during running. With increased RPE, there was a decrease in cycle time. Each subject appeared to develop media-dependent strategies for increasing RPE by increasing ROM, increasing movement speed, or a combination of both techniques