KARHU, University of Jyväskylä Announce Research Partnership To Improve Running Efficiency Through Fulcrum Technology

Leading European Research Institute Tests Neuromuscular and Biomechanical Performance of KARHU Footwear.

Beverly, MA (PRWEB) June 22, 2009 -- Since the mid 1980s, running shoe innovator KARHU and University of Jyväskylä (UoJ), Finland’s leading sports and fitness research institute, have worked together to develop advancements in running shoe technology. The result of more than two decades of rigorous testing was Fulcrum, a patented technology that promotes a foot and shoe collaboration with the body creating a Natural Ride and Feel™. It was introduced this year in KARHU’s new running shoe line.

Now, the two organizations announce a new partnership to delve deeper into this and other technologies that can further improve efficiency and performance by working in harmony with the natural biomechanics and physiology of runners.

“Research on runners using the Fulcrum technology showed significant, measurable results in lowering heart rate and decreasing oxygen consumption,” said Huub Valkenburg, CEO, KARHU. “Our partnership with the UoJ provides us with additional critical information that could essentially change the way we look at running performance. It’s conceivable that this research yields shoes that can significantly alter our notion of what is possible for the distance runner.”

Founded in 1934, University of Jyväskylä has one of the most extensive Neuromuscular Research Centers in the world and is the only academic institution in Finland educating experts in the field of sport and health sciences. Biologists in the Physical Activity Department
put athletes through rigorous testing in a variety of conditions while wearing different types of footwear.

“The department of biology of physical activity has a long history of working with KARHU,” said Janne Avela, vice head of the Department of Physical Activity, UoJ. “We look forward to our continued involvement in this research and with the KARHU engineering
team.”

KARHU’s momentum began immediately during the March 2009 launch of its new running shoe line when the STRONG Ride was awarded “Best Debut of 2009” by Runner’s World. Included as one of the season’s best running shoes for its annual Spring Shoe Guide Special, the shoe was tested by editors and wear testers against hundreds of other shoes. Proving a Natural Ride and Feel™, the STRONG Ride separated itself from the pack with its support and Fulcrum technology.

For more information, please visit www.karhu.com.

About KARHU
Born in 1916, KARHU is Finland’s legendary running brand. Meaning “bear” in Finnish, KARHU has an authentic heritage in running and a deep
connection to the outdoors. KARHU follows the Finnish principles of design simplicity and running purity in providing technical running and outdoor gear

for nearly 100 years. KARHU shoes have been worn on the feet of some of the greatest Finnish runners, including Boston Marathon champion Olavi
Suomalainen, and Paavo Nurmi, giving rise to the Flying Finns. Engineering innovative product that promotes a “Natural Ride and Feel”™ through the
patented Fulcrum™ technology, KARHU footwear products are sold globally by specialty retailers. KARHU is owned by KARHU Holding B.V. and designs, markets and distributes KARHU branded products. For more information about KARHU, visit www.karhu.com

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