The Carnegie Research Institute at the Leeds Metropolitan University in Great Britain is carrying out unique biomechanical research into Race Walking.

The study includes analysis of high-speed video, force plate data, and internal activity of the leg muscles. Crucial variables in walking are measured, to help athletes understand their strengths and weaknesses when competing.

Researchers have analysed some of the world's best race walkers in European Athletics and IAAF competitions, including the 2007 and 2009 European Cup Race Walking in Royal Leamington Spa, England, and Metz, France, and 2008 IAAF World Race Walking Cup in Cheboksary, Russia.

They are now inviting elite walkers to be part of this project to help improve racing performances and develop understanding of race walking technique.

Travel funding is available for senior athletes with European, world or Olympic qualifying times and junior athletes who show potential progress in international competition.

The Carnegie Research Institute has recently become the home of UK Athletics' National Centre for Race Walking.

Interested athletes and those who want to know more about the study are encouraged to contact:

Brian Hanley,
Senior Lecturer in Sport & Exercise Biomechanics,
Tel.: +44 113 8123577
Email: b.hanley@leedsmet.ac.uk

Dr Andrew Drake,
Carnegie Director of Race Walking,
Tel.: +44 113 8123527
Email: a.drake@leedsmet.ac.uk

Dr Ian Richards
Senior Lecturer
Tel.: +44 113 8127039
Email: i.richards@leedsmet.ac.uk

More details about the UK National Race Walking Centre can be found at http://www.leedsmet.ac.uk/carnegie/sport/Racewalking_Flyer.pdf