Q. Is there data on whether or not more pressure is applied to the foot using the elliptical machine vs. running or walking on a treadmill?
While the pressure is constant on the elliptical, it is much lower than that of running or walking on the treadmill due to the lack of impact forces. With running, the impact of landing applies much larger amounts of pressure due to the momentum and forces of the body weight traveling vertically and horizontally, distributed across the surface of the foot. This is why the elliptical can be safely used as a crosstraining tool for injured runners, including those suffering from stress fractures in the lower extremity.
-- Emily Cooper, M.D
