An Elite Marathon Runner Is Returning from a Recurrent Bout $\begin{array}{lcc}\text { Test } & \text { Sponsor 1 } & \text { Sponsor 2 } \\ 1 & 7.4 & 7.5 \\ 2 & 8.2 & 7.6 \\ 3 & 9.4 & 8.0\end{array}$

Essay

An elite marathon runner is returning from a recurrent bout of lower limb injuries and has been offered sponsorship from two competing footwear companies. Both companies offer a similar monetary package and will provide the runner with all of the equipment that he requires for his training and competition. His training for an upcoming event has been good, but his history of lower limb injury is always on his mind. He has completed long training runs in both prospective sponsors' shoes, but wants to be sure that he makes the right decision from an injury prevention point of view. You have been asked to assess the athlete while running on three separate occasions (each 2 weeks apart) to collect information that the athlete can use to help make his decision. To guide your advice, you have placed accelerometers on the lower leg (shank). Given the following data, outline which sponsor you would advise the athlete to go with and explain your choice from the perspective of injury risk.
Average peak vertical accelerations of the lower limb during the stance phase of running (in units of 'g')
$\begin{array}{lcc}\text { Test } & \text { Sponsor 1 } & \text { Sponsor 2 } \\ 1 & 7.4 & 7.5 \\ 2 & 8.2 & 7.6 \\ 3 & 9.4 & 8.0\end{array}$