The Effects of Running on the Human Body
Isacc Trevino, Julian Hernandez, Chandler West
CONCLUSIONS:
Running has negative and positive effects on the human body. Some people argue that running only offers beneficial rewards, however current researchers began to prove running has negative effects. These effects include facial wrinkling, more prone to knee injuries, and an increase of stress on the heart. On the contrary running can contribute positive effects to the human body, such as a decrease in body fat, improved homeostasis in the body, and decrease aging of the body.
DISCUSSION:
Since running is more popular among non-athletes, it is important for them to understand the benefits and disadvantages of running. According to Shy (2012), the average person runs three times 30 minutes a week. In another study, researchers had adults walk or run on a treadmill, capturing data of the amount of force for each step. Results showed that the force exerted on the knees while running was as much as three times higher than walking, but this was offset by the time runners spent in the air and the length of their stride (Klinkenberg, 2014). For healthy in-shape runners, knee cartilage will actually strengthen under high forces. However, when one adds high impact to an out-of-whack joint repeatedly, like while running, one is more prone knee pain and/or injury (Klinkenberg, 2014). Furthermore, runners should training their heart and lungs, yet runners overlook these organs. A strong respiratory system can improve your running. It is a simple equation: improved breathing equals more oxygen for your muscles which equals more endurance (Wagner, 2008). A stronger respiratory system allows more oxygen for your muscles which will allow you to run for a longer period of time.
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