Ground Contact Time Balance Data
NOTE: In the Garmin Connect activity, the running dynamics data displays as colored graphs.
Ground contact time balance measures your running symmetry and appears as a percentage of your total ground contact time. For example, 51.3% with an arrow pointing left indicates the runner is spending more time on the ground when on the left foot. If your data screen displays both numbers, for example 48–52, 48% is the left foot and 52% is the right foot.
|
Color Zone |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Symmetry |
Poor |
Fair |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
|
Percent of Other Runners |
5% |
25% |
40% |
25% |
5% |
|
Ground Contact Time Balance |
>52.2% L |
50.8–52.2% L |
50.7% L–50.7% R |
50.8–52.2% R |
>52.2% R |
Red
Orange
GreenWhile developing and testing running dynamics, the Garmin team found correlations between injuries and greater imbalances with certain runners. For many runners, ground contact time balance tends to deviate further from 50–50 when running up or down hills. Most running coaches agree that a symmetrical running form is good. Elite runners tend to have quick and balanced strides.
You can watch the gauge or data field during your run or view the summary on your Garmin Connect account after your run. As with the other running dynamics data, ground contact time balance is a quantitative measurement to help you learn about your running form.