In this episode of the Art and Science or Running Podcast we speak with Dr. Benno Nigg who is generally thought of as the leader of the field of running biomechanics research for the past 40 years and the most prolific author in this area. His scholarly citations currently exceed 25,000 publications. All biomechanics researchers around the world will at some point read his work and be inspired by his approach. More than anything, Dr. Nigg is most well known for studies into the feet, ankles, shoes and orthotics. This episode was recorded in Benno Nigg’s office in the Human Performance Laboratory at the University of Calgary. The room features a number of sample and prototype shoes from Benno’s past research and consulting.
Biography
Benno Nigg was born in Switzerland and originally studied nuclear physics at the ETH Zurich (Switzerland). In 1971 he began working in biomechanics, while he also coached track athletes locally. In 1976, Nigg became the Director of the Biomechanics Laboratory at the ETH Zurich and then in 1981 accepted an invitation to move to the University of Calgary, where he founded, developed and was director of the Human Performance Laboratory, a multi-disciplinary research center concentrating on the study of the human body and it’s locomotion. Currently, this research center has approximately 200 researchers and assistants, working in every aspect of the understanding of movement and exercise.
Awards and Recognitions
Dr. Nigg has received many awards and recognitions, including the Olympic Order, honorary degrees from the Universities of Salzburg and Innsbruck and an honorary professorship from the University of Shanghai. Dr. Nigg’s research concentrates on human locomotion with main emphasis on mobility and longevity and it’s application to movement related products such as orthoses, shoe insoles, sport shoes, surfaces and sport equipment. Dr. Nigg has cooperated with many major sport shoe and sport surface companies most notably Adidas, with whom he has had a sustained connection.
Influence in the Field
Today, Benno is generally thought of as the leader of the field of running biomechanics research for the past 40 years and the most prolific author in this area. His scholarly citations currently exceed 25,000 publications. All biomechanics researchers around the world will at some point read his work and be inspired by his approach. More than anything, Dr. Nigg is most well known for studies into the feet, ankles, shoes and orthotics.
Books by Benno Nigg
- Biomechanics of the Musculo-skeletal System
- Biomechanics of Running Shoes
- Sport Surfaces : Biomechanics, Injuries, Performance, Testing, Installation
In this interview we discuss:
- Benno’s path into biomechanics.
- The importance of play and open mindedness in scientific exploration.
- Dr. Nigg’s experiences working with shoe innovations.
- The work being performed at the University of Calgary Human Performance Laboratory.
Noteworthy quotes by Benno Nigg:
“I think we learn much more when we just play’ (scientifically oriented play). When talking about keeping an open mind in such a way as to encourage innovation.”
‘We started in 1981 with zero staff. It was just me. At that time no one knew what to look for’. When talking about the very beginning of the department at Calgary University.”
“People (consumers) don’t know how to interpret the data. You get amplitudes of something. But what does that mean?’ When talking about the issue of making wearable technology valuable to the end user.”
“You know, you do an analysis based on the original question, and the questions can get broader and broader and more comprehensive’. When talking about the fundamental skill of analyzing data and not getting tunneled into purely hypothesis driven research.”
*Note: At the time of the recording the Nike Vaporfly shoe had not launched into the public domain with all the media hype that we’ve seen recently. Hence Benno’s comments on shoe innovation do not reference the shoes or their midsole technologies.
Peak Run Performance Rocky Mountain Running Retreat
Join us this Spring for the Peak Run Performance Rocky Mountain Running Retreat April 30-May 3, 2020 in Canmore, Alberta, Canada. Use discount code ASR10 for 10% off when you register at Race Roster.
Shout Outs and Social Media
Intro and outro music GOIN 4 A WALK by Dallin Puzey. Now available on Apple Music and Spotify.
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