Comparison of three-dimensional lower extremity running kinematics of young adult and elderly runners

Abstract

The objective of this study was to compare the three-dimensional lower extremity running kinematics of young adult runners and elderly runners. Seventeen elderly adults (age 67–73 years) and 17 young adults (age 26–36 years) ran at 3.1 m · s^?1 on a treadmill while the movements of the lower extremity during the stance phase were recorded at 120 Hz using three-dimensional video. The three-dimensional kinematics of the lower limb segments and of the ankle and knee joints were determined, and selected variables were calculated to describe the movement. Our results suggest that elderly runners have a different movement pattern of the lower extremity from that of young adults during the stance phase of running. Compared with the young adults, the elderly runners had a substantial decrease in stride length (1.97 vs. 2.23 m; P = 0.01), an increase in stride frequency (1.58 vs. 1.37 Hz; P = 0.002), less knee flexion/extension range of motion (26 vs. 33°; P = 0.002), less tibial internal/external rotation range of motion (9 vs. 12°; P < 0.001), larger external rotation angle of the foot segment (toe-out angle) at the heel strike (?5.8 vs. ?1.0°; P = 0.009), and greater asynchronies between the ankle and knee movements during running. These results may help to explain why elderly individuals could be more susceptible to running-related injuries.     

Effect of downhill running grade on lower extremity loading in female distance runners

ABSTRACT

Hill running is often used as a foundational training mechanism to build strength and speed. Distance runners in particular are at an increased likelihood of encountering steep hills during training runs. There is limited research regarding downhill running, and there is no research available on the biomechanics of females specifically during downhill running. The purpose of this study was to quantify the differences in loading when running downhill at different grades compared to a level surface in female distance runners to determine the potential risk for injury. Fifteen female distance runners (age: 23.5 ± 4.9 y), who ran 56.3 ± 20.9 km a week participated in this study. Participants ran on a force-instrumented treadmill at 4.0 m/s for 2 min at 0%, ?5%, ?10%, ?15%, and ?20% grades, with 5 min of rest between conditions. Study findings showed increased impact forces (p < 0.001), and increased loading rates (p < 0.001) with increasing downhill grades compared to level. These results indicate a significantly greater risk of overuse injury to the lower extremity with steeper downhill grades. Individuals need to be aware of these risks to plan and implement training programmes that will increase performance while minimising injury risk.     

A bioengineering analysis of human muscle and joint forces in the lower limbs during running

A two‐dimensional, dynamic bioengineering model of the lower limbs was developed in order to estimate muscle and joint forces present during running at 4.5 m s ^‐1. Data were collected from four subjects using a force platform and cine film. Individual X‐rays and anthropometric data from the lower limbs were utilized to produce accurate bone models of the subjects’ legs. Electromyographic verification of the model was undertaken while a runner was undergoing treadmill running at 4.5 m s^‐1. Results indicate that peak muscle forces of 22 times subject body weight (22 BW) could be present in the quadriceps muscle group and 7 BW in the gastrocnemius. The anterior shin muscles were found to be active for the first 9% of stance phase only, and compressive loads of 33 BW were found in the knee joint. The relationship between these nigh forces in the lower limbs and running related injuries is discussed.     

Side-sloped surfaces substantially affect lower limb running kinematics

Running on side-sloped surfaces is a common obstacle in the environment; however, how and to what extent the lower extremity kinematics adapt is not well known. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of side-sloped surfaces on three-dimensional kinematics of hip, knee, and ankle during stance phase of running. Ten healthy adult males ran barefoot along an inclinable runway in level (0°) and side-sloped (10° up-slope and down-slope inclinations, respectively) configurations. Right hip, knee, and ankle angles along with their time of occurrence were analysed using repeated measures MANOVA. Up-slope hip was more adducted (p = 0.015) and internally rotated (p = 0.030). Knee had greater external rotations during side-sloped running at heel-strike (p = 0.005), while at toe-off, it rotated externally and internally during up-slope and down-slope running, respectively (p = 0.001). Down-slope ankle had greatest plantar flexion (p = 0.001). Up-slope ankle had greatest eversion compared with down-slope (p = 0.043), while it was more externally rotated (p = 0.030). These motion patterns are necessary to adjust the lower extremity length during side-sloped running. Timing differences in the kinematic events of hip adduction and external rotation, and ankle eversion were observed (p = 0.006). Knowledge on these alterations is a valuable tool in adopting strategies to enhance performance while preventing injury.     

Mechanics of the muscles crossing the hip joint during sprint running

Abstract

We aimed to demonstrate the changes over time in the lengths and forces of the muscles crossing the hip joint during overground sprinting and investigate the relationships between muscle lengths and muscle–tendon unit forces – particularly peak biceps femoris force. We obtained three-dimensional kinematics during 1 running cycle from 8 healthy sprinters sprinting at maximum speed. Muscle lengths and muscle–tendon unit forces were calculated for the iliacus, rectus femoris, gluteus maximus, and biceps femoris muscles of the target leg as well as the contralateral iliacus and rectus femoris. Our results showed that during sprinting, the muscles crossing the hip joint demonstrate a stretch-shortening cycle and 1 or 2 peak forces. The timing of peak biceps femoris force, expressed as a percentage of the running cycle (mean [SD], 80.5 [2.9]%), was synchronous with those of the maximum biceps femoris length (82.8 [1.9]%) and peak forces of the gluteus maximus (83.8 [9.1]%), iliacus (81.1 [5.2]%), and contralateral iliacus (78.5 [5.8]%) and also that of the peak pelvic anterior tilt. The force of the biceps femoris appeared to be influenced by the actions of the muscles crossing the hip joint as well as by the pelvic anterior tilt.     

Effect of cold water immersion on repeat cycling performance and thermoregulation in the heat

Abstract

To assess the effect of cold water immersion and active recovery on thermoregulation and repeat cycling performance in the heat, ten well-trained male cyclists completed five trials, each separated by one week. Each trial consisted of a 30-min exercise task, one of five 15-min recoveries (intermittent cold water immersion in 10°C, 15°C and 20°C water, continuous cold water immersion in 20°C water or active recovery), followed by 40 min passive recovery, before repeating the 30-min exercise task. Recovery strategy effectiveness was assessed via changes in total work in the second exercise task compared with that in the first. Following active recovery, a mean 4.1% (s = 1.8) less total work (P = 0.00) was completed in the second than in the first exercise task. However, no significant differences in total work were observed between any of the cold water immersion protocols. Core and skin temperature, blood lactate concentration, heart rate, rating of thermal sensation, and rating of perceived exertion were recorded. During both exercise tasks there were no significant differences in blood lactate concentration between interventions; however, following active recovery blood lactate concentration was significantly lower (P < 0.05; 2.0 ± 0.8 mmol · l^?1) compared with all cold water immersion protocols. All cold water immersion protocols were effective in reducing thermal strain and were more effective in maintaining subsequent high-intensity cycling performance than active recovery.     

Effects of cold water immersion on knee joint position sense in healthy volunteers

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of cryotherapy, in the form of cold water immersion, on knee joint position sense. Fourteen healthy volunteers, with no previous knee injury or pre-existing clinical condition, participated in this randomized cross-over trial. The intervention consisted of a 30-min immersion, to the level of the umbilicus, in either cold (14 ± 1 °C) or tepid water (28 ± 1 °C). Approximately one week later, in a randomized fashion, the volunteers completed the remaining immersion. Active ipsilateral limb repositioning sense of the right knee was measured, using weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing assessments, employing video-recorded 3D motion analysis. These assessments were conducted immediately before and after a cold and tepid water immersion. No significant differences were found between treatments for the absolute (P = 0.29), relative (P = 0.21) or variable error (P = 0.86). The average effect size of the outcome measures was modest (range -0.49 to 0.9) and all the associated 95% confidence intervals for these effect sizes crossed zero. These results indicate that there is no evidence of an enhanced risk of injury, following a return to sporting activity, after cold water immersion.     

The effect of a cadence retraining protocol on running biomechanics and efficiency: a pilot study

Many studies have documented the association between mechanical deviations from normal and the presence or risk of injury. Some runners attempt to change mechanics by increasing running cadence. Previous work documented that increasing running cadence reduces deviations in mechanics tied to injury. The long-term effect of a cadence retraining intervention on running mechanics and energy expenditure is unknown. This study aimed to determine if increasing running cadence by 10% decreases running efficiency and changes kinematics and kinetics to make them less similar to those associated with injury. Additionally, this study aimed to determine if, after 6 weeks of cadence retraining, there would be carryover in kinematic and kinetic changes from an increased cadence state to a runner’s preferred running cadence without decreased running efficiency. We measured oxygen uptake, kinematic and kinetic data on six uninjured participants before and after a 6-week intervention. Increasing cadence did not result in decreased running efficiency but did result in decreases in stride length, hip adduction angle and hip abductor moment. Carryover was observed in runners’ post-intervention preferred running form as decreased hip adduction angle and vertical loading rate.     

Step width alters iliotibial band strain during running

This study assessed the effect of step width during running on factors related to iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome. Three-dimensional (3D) kinematics and kinetics were recorded from 15 healthy recreational runners during overground running under various step width conditions (preferred and at least ± 5% of their leg length). Strain and strain rate were estimated from a musculoskeletal model of the lower extremity. Greater ITB strain and strain rate were found in the narrower step width condition (p < 0.001, p = 0.040). ITB strain was significantly (p < 0.001) greater in the narrow condition than the preferred and wide conditions and it was greater in the preferred condition than the wide condition. ITB strain rate was significantly greater in the narrow condition than the wide condition (p = 0.020). Polynomial contrasts revealed a linear increase in both ITB strain and strain rate with decreasing step width. We conclude that relatively small decreases in step width can substantially increase ITB strain as well as strain rates. Increasing step width during running, especially in persons whose running style is characterized by a narrow step width, may be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of running-related ITB syndrome.     

Effect of postural changes on 3D joint angular velocity during starting block phase

Abstract

Few studies have focused on the effect of posture during sprint start. The aim of this study was to measure the effect of the modification of horizontal distance between the blocks during sprint start on three dimensional (3D) joint angular velocity. Nine trained sprinters started using three different starting positions (bunched, medium and elongated). They were equipped with 63 passive reflective markers, and an opto-electronic Motion Analysis® system was used to collect the 3D marker trajectories. During the pushing phase on the blocks, norm of the joint angular velocity (NJAV), 3D Euler angular velocity (EAV) and pushing time on the blocks were calculated. The results demonstrated that the decrease of the block spacing induces an opposite effect on the angular velocity of joints of the lower and the upper limbs. The NJAV of the upper limbs is greater in the bunched start, whereas the NJAV of the lower limbs is smaller. The modifications of NJAV were due to a combination of the movement of the joints in the different degrees of freedom. The medium start seems to be the best compromise because it leads, in a short pushing time, to a combination of optimal joint velocities for upper and lower segments.     

Effect of water ingestion on endurance capacity during prolonged running

This study examined the influence of water ingestion on endurance capacity during submaximal treadmill running. Four men and four women with a mean (± S.E.) age of 21.4 ± 0.7 years, height of 169 + 2 cm, body mass of 63.1 ± 2.9 kg and VO ₂ max of 51.1 ± 1.8 ml kg^?1 min^?1, performed two randomly assigned treadmill runs at 70% VO ₂ max to exhaustion. No fluid was ingested during one trial (NF‐trial), whereas a single water bolus of 3.0 ml kg^?1 body mass was ingested immediately pre‐exercise and serial feedings of 2.0 ml kg^?1 body mass were ingested every 15 min during exercise in a fluid replacement trial (FR‐trial). Run time for the NF‐trial was 77.7 ± 7.7 min, compared to 103 ± 12.4 min for the FR‐trial (P<0.01). Body mass (corrected for water ingestion) decreased by 2.0 ± 0.2% in the NF‐trial and 2.7 ± 0.2% in the FR‐trial (P<0.01), while plasma volume decreased by 1.1 ± 1.1% and 3.5 ± 1.1% in the two trials respectively (N.S.). However, these apparent differences in circulatory volume were not associated with differences in rectal temperature. Respiratory exchange ratios indicated increased carbohydrate metabolism (73% vs 64% of total energy expenditure) and suppressed fat metabolism after 75 min of exercise in the NF‐trial compared with the FR‐trial (NF‐trial, 0.90 ± 0.01; FR‐trial, 0.86 ± 0.03; P<0.01). Blood glucose concentrations were similar in both trials, while blood lactate concentrations were higher in the NF‐trial at the end of exercise (4.83 ± 0.34 vs 4.18 ± 0.38 mM; P<0.05). In summary, water ingestion during prolonged running improved endurance capacity.     

两种习惯性着地方式对跑步支撑期下肢动力学特征的影响

目的：探究习惯后足着地者和习惯前足着地者在跑步支撑期下肢动力学的不同。方法：采用 Kistler三维测力台（采集力学指标,1 000 Hz）采集受试者跑步支撑期（测试足从足着地到足离地）的动力学数据。结果：习惯后足着地组（RFS）在支撑时间上比习惯前足着地组（FFS）的时间微长,但二者不具有显著差异（P>0.05）;RFS组在支撑期内外方向的最小值和最大值均小于FFS组,且呈显著差异（P＜0.05）;RFS组在支撑期前后方向的最小值（即制动力峰值）和最大值（即加速力峰值）均要高于FFS组,且呈显著差异（P＜0.05）;FFS组在支撑期垂直方向的最大峰值力和第一载荷率均高于RFS组,但不具有显著差异,且出现峰值时间无显著差异（P＞0.05）。结论：跑步时不同的着地方式影响了下肢的生物力学特征,习惯后足着地者跑步支撑期下肢动力学特征与习惯前足着地者主要在内外方向和前后方向上具有一定的差异。     

Effects of upper and lower body wearable resistance on spatio-temporal and kinetic parameters during running

ABSTRACT

Wearable resistance training involves added load attached directly to the body during sporting movements. The effects of load position during running are not yet fully established. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to determine spatio-temporal and kinetic characteristics during submaximal running using upper, lower and whole-body wearable resistance (1–10% body mass (BM)). Twelve trained male runners completed eight 2-min treadmill running bouts at 3.9 m/s with and without wearable resistance. The first and last bouts were unloaded, while the middle 6 were randomised wearable resistance conditions: upper body (UB) 5% BM, lower body (LB) 1%, 3%, 5% BM and whole body (WB) 5%, 10% BM. Wearable resistance of 1–10% BM resulted in a significant increase in heart rate (5.40–8.84%), but minimal impact on spatio-temporal variables. Loads of 5% BM and greater caused changes in vertical stiffness, vertical and horizontal force, and impulse. Functional and effective propulsive force (2.95%, 2.88%) and impulse (3.40%, 3.38%) were significantly (p < 0.05) greater with LB5% than UB5%. Wearable resistance may be used to increase muscular kinetics during running without negatively impacting spatio-temporal variables. The application of these findings will vary depending on athlete goals. Future longitudinal studies are required to validate training contentions.     

In vivo lumbo-sacral forces and moments during constant speed running at different stride lengths

Abstract

The aim of this study was to introduce a Newton–Euler inverse dynamics model that included reaction force and moment estimation at the lumbo-sacral (L5-S1) and thoraco-lumbar (T12-L1) joints. Data were collected while participants ran over ground at 3.8 m · s^?1 at three different stride lengths: preferred stride length, 20% greater than preferred, and 20% less than preferred. Inputs to the model were ground reaction forces, bilateral lower extremity and pelvis kinematics and inertial parameters, kinematics of the lumbar spine and thorax and inertial parameters of the lumbar segment. Repeated measures ANOVA were performed on the lower extremity sagittal kinematics and kinetics, including L5-S1 and T12-L1 three-dimensional joint angles, reaction forces and moments at touchdown and peak values during impact phase across the three stride conditions. Results indicated that L5-S1 and T12-L1 vertical reaction forces at touchdown and during the impact portion of the support phase increased significantly as stride length increased (P < 0.001), as did peak sagittal L5-S1 moments during impact (P = 0.018). Additionally, the transverse T12-L1 joint moment increased as running speed increased (P = 0.006). We concluded from our findings that our model was sensitive to our perturbations in healthy runners, and may prove useful in future mechanistic studies of L5-S1 mechanics.     

Acceleration patterns in the lower and upper trunk during running

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to relate 3D acceleration patterns of the lower and upper trunk during running to running gait cycle, assess the validity of stride duration estimated from acceleration patterns, investigate speed-dependent changes in acceleration, and examine the test–retest reliability of these parameters. Thirteen healthy young men performed two running trials each on a treadmill and on land at three speeds (slow, preferred, and fast). The 3D accelerations were measured at the L3 spinous process (lower trunk) and the ensiform process (upper trunk) and synchronised with digital video data. The amplitude and root mean square of acceleration and stride duration were calculated and then analysed by three-way analysis of variance to test effects of running conditions, device location, and running speed. Bland-Altman analysis was used to evaluate the test–retest reliability. Marked changes in acceleration were observed in relation to foot strike during running. Stride durations calculated from the vertical accelerations were nearly equal to those estimated from video data. There were significant speed effects on all parameters, and the low test–retest reliability was confirmed in the anterior–posterior acceleration during treadmill running and the anterior–posterior acceleration at slow speed during treadmill and overground running.     

Effects of changing speed on knee and ankle joint load during walking and running

Joint moments can be used as an indicator of joint loading and have potential application for sports performance and injury prevention. The effects of changing walking and running speeds on joint moments for the different planes of motion still are debatable. Here, we compared knee and ankle moments during walking and running at different speeds. Data were collected from 11 recreational male runners to determine knee and ankle joint moments during different conditions. Conditions include walking at a comfortable speed (self-selected pacing), fast walking (fastest speed possible), slow running (speed corresponding to 30% slower than running) and running (at 4 m · s^?1 ± 10%). A different joint moment pattern was observed between walking and running. We observed a general increase in joint load for sagittal and frontal planes as speed increased, while the effects of speed were not clear in the transverse plane moments. Although differences tend to be more pronounced when gait changed from walking to running, the peak moments, in general, increased when speed increased from comfortable walking to fast walking and from slow running to running mainly in the sagittal and frontal planes. Knee flexion moment was higher in walking than in running due to larger knee extension. Results suggest caution when recommending walking over running in an attempt to reduce knee joint loading. The different effects of speed increments during walking and running should be considered with regard to the prevention of injuries and for rehabilitation purposes.     

The effect of translational and rotational traction on lower extremity joint loading

Previous studies have linked footwear traction to lower extremity non-contact injury; however, these studies mainly focussed on rotational traction exclusively. While studies have shown that increases in traction lead to increases in joint loading, represented by joint moments, these studies failed to determine how the individual components of rotational and translational traction affect joint loading. Therefore, this study investigated how each component of traction independently affects lower extremity joint loading. Traction testing was performed using a robotic testing machine on three shoes that had independent alterations of translational and rotational traction. All testing was conducted on a sample piece of artificial turf. Kinematic and kinetic data were then collected on 10 athletes performing two cutting movements in each shoe condition. As rotational and translational traction were independently altered, decreased rotational traction led to significant decreases in transverse and frontal plane joint loading at the ankle and knee joints, while increases in translational traction led to increases in frontal plane joint loading at the ankle and knee joints. Increases in joint loading in the transverse and frontal planes are one of the possible mechanisms of lower extremity non-contact injury. Both translational and rotational traction can independently alter the joint loading.     

Influence of shoe drop on running kinematics and kinetics in female runners

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of shoe drop on lower limb kinematics and kinetics in female runners.

Fifteen healthy female runners ran on a 15-m runway at their preferred speed with three different shoe-drop conditions: 0 (D₀), 6 (D₆) and 10 (D₁₀) mm. Three-dimensional marker positions and ground reaction forces were recorded to analyse kinetic and kinematic parameters using zero- (0D) and one-dimensional (1D) metrics (statistical parametric mapping, SPM). Regarding 0D parameters, significantly higher loading rates and transient peaks were found in D₀ compared to D₆ and D₁₀ conditions (both p?<?.01). For 1D analysis, significantly higher ankle dorsiflexion moments were found in D₀ compared to D₆ and D₁₀ during the braking phase (p?<?.01). Lower knee extension moments between 52% and 55% and 61% and 65% of contact time (p?<?.05) were also found. No difference was found between D₆ and D₁₀ conditions (p?>?.05). As previously shown in men, this study demonstrates that shoe drop influences running kinematic and kinetic patterns. Using SPM analysis in conjunction with classical analysis, the study adds new understanding on the influence of shoes on joint moment during contact time.     

The biomechanical characteristics of high-performance endurance running

The biomechanical profile of high-level endurance runners may represent a useful model that could be used for developing training programmes designed to improve running style. This study, therefore, sought to compare the biomechanical characteristics of high-performance and recreational runners. Kinematic and kinetic measurements were taken during overground running from a cohort of 14 high-performance (8 male) and 14 recreational (8 male) runners, at four speeds ranging from 3.3 to 5.6?m?s^?1. Two-way ANOVA analysis was then used to explore group and speed effects and principal component analysis used to explore the interdependence of the tested variables. The data showed the high-performance runners to have a gait style characterised by an increased vertical velocity of the centre of mass and a flight time that was 11% longer than the recreational group. The high-performance group were also observed to adopt a forefoot strike pattern, to contact the ground with their foot closer to their body and to have a larger ankle moment. Importantly, although observed group differences were mostly independent of speed, the tested variables showed a high degree of interdependence suggesting an underlying unitary phenomenon. This is the first study to compare high-performance and recreational runners across a full range of kinematic and kinetic variables. The results suggest that high-performance runners maintain stride length with a prolonged aerial phase, rather than by landing with a more extended knee. These findings motivate future intervention studies that should investigate whether recreational runners could benefit from instruction to decrease shank inclination at foot contact.     

Effects of replica running shoes upon external forces and muscle activity during running

Abstract

Twelve participants ran (9 km · h^?1) to test two types of running shoes: replica and original shoes. Ground reaction force, plantar pressure and electromyographic activity were recorded. The shoes were tested randomly and on different days. Comparisons between the two experimental conditions were made by analysis of variance (ANOVA) test (P ≤ 0.05). The time to first peak, loading rate of the first peak and impulse of the first 75 ms of stance were significantly different between the shoes (P ≤ 0.05), revealing an increase of impact forces for the replica shoes. The peak plantar pressure values were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) when wearing replica shoes. During running, the contact area was significantly smaller (P ≤ 0.05) for the replica shoe. The electromyographic activity of the analysed muscles did not show changes between the two shoes in running. These findings suggest that the use of replica running shoes can increase the external load applied to the human body, but may not change the muscle activity pattern during locomotion. This new mechanical situation may increase the risk of injuries in these movements.