Final answer:
During running, the ankle must support up to 2.5 times an individual's body weight. This is due to dynamic forces involved in running, with structures such as the Achilles tendon bearing significant loads. Running shoes and surface choice impact these forces, highlighting the role of proper footwear and running conditions in minimizing injury risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The force that the ankle must support while running can be significantly more than one's body weight. During running, each foot-strike can apply a force of up to 2.5 times a person's body weight. This is due to the added momentum and impact associated with running, as opposed to the static load experienced when standing still. The role of the foot's arches is crucial in absorbing this force, as they flatten and rebound with weight application, providing a spring-like effect to distribute the pressure. The Achilles tendon and other structures in the leg and foot work to support this increased load when running. Padded shoes and soft ground also contribute to reducing the impact forces, making the pressure less intense on the feet and legs.
For example, if we calculate the force needed to stop the downward motion of a jogger's leg with a mass of 13.0 kg and a speed of 6.00 m/s over a distance of 1.50 cm, including the weight of a 75-kg jogger, we would find that this force is substantially higher than the jogger's static weight.
Ankle support while running is affected by the choice of surfaces and footwear, which illustrates the importance of running shoes in injury prevention. Ankle support is affected by the forces during movement and the body's biomechanics, such as the shock-absorbing ability of the foot's arches.