Runners do not push off the ground but fall forwards via a gravitational torque

The relationship between the affect and timing of the four forces involved in running (gravity, ground reaction force, muscle force, and potential strain energy) is presented. These forces only increase horizontal acceleration of the centre of mass during stance but not flight. The current hierarchical models of running are critiqued because they do not show gravity, a constant force, in affect during stance. A new gravitational model of running is developed, which shows gravity as the motive force. Gravity is shown to cause a torque as the runner's centre of mass moves forward of the support foot. Ground reaction force is not a motive force but operates according to Newton's third law; therefore, the ground can only propel a runner forward in combination with muscle activity. However, leg and hip extensor muscles have consistently proven to be silent during leg extension (mid-terminal stance). Instead, high muscle–tendon forces at terminal stance suggest elastic recoil regains most of the centre of mass's height. Therefore, the only external motive force from mid-terminal stance is gravity via a gravitational torque, which causes a horizontal displacement. The aim of this paper is to establish a definitive biomechanical technique (Pose^® method) that is easily taught to runners (Romanov, 2002 Romanov, N. 2002. Dr. Nicholas Romanov's Pose method of running, Miami: PoseTech.  [Google Scholar]): falling forwards via a gravitational torque while pulling the support foot rapidly from the ground using the hamstring muscles.     

Control of propulsion and body lift during the first two stances of sprint running: a simulation study

The aim of this study was to relate the contribution of lower limb joint moments and individual muscle forces to the body centre of mass (COM) vertical and horizontal acceleration during the initial two steps of sprint running. Start performance of seven well-trained sprinters was recorded using an optoelectronic motion analysis system and two force plates. Participant-specific torque-driven and muscle-driven simulations were conducted in OpenSim to quantify, respectively, the contributions of the individual joints and muscles to body propulsion and lift. The ankle is the major contributor to both actions during the first two stances, with an even larger contribution in the second compared to the first stance. Biarticular gastrocnemius is the main muscle contributor to propulsion in the second stance. The contribution of the hip and knee depends highly on the position of the athlete: During the first stance, where the athlete runs in a forward bending position, the knee contributes primarily to body lift and the hip contributes to propulsion and body lift. In conclusion, a small increase in ankle power generation seems to affect the body COM acceleration, whereas increases in hip and knee power generation tend to affect acceleration less.     

短跑途中跑支撑阶段支撑腿关节肌肉生物力学特性的研究

采用测力、测角加速度和多机多分辨拍摄技术对短跑途中跑支撑阶段肌肉动力学特征进行关节内力矩的计算与分析。研究表明，运动员踝关节跖屈肌的最大力矩与跑的速度呈显著相关；膝关节的伸肌在接近一半的支撑时间内是做离心收缩，离心收缩肌力矩的峰值要高于向心收缩的肌力矩峰值，离地前20％时刻膝关节屈肌起重要作用；髋关节在支撑阶段存在关节屈伸肌群交替工作，在着地后瞬间有较大的屈肌力矩，在离地前髋关节伸肌起重要作用，支撑阶段下肢关节肌肉快速退让性的离心收缩与主动收缩起同样重要的作用。     

Modelling error distribution in the ground reaction force during an induced-acceleration analysis of running in rear-foot strikers

The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a methodology for quantifying the contributions of modelling error terms, as well as individual joint torque, gravitational force and motion-dependent terms, to the generation of ground reaction force (GRF), whose true value can be measured with high accuracy using a force platform. Dynamic contributions to the GRF were derived from the combination of (1) the equations of motion for the individual segments, (2) the equations for constraint conditions arising from the connection of adjacent segments at joints, and (3) the equations for anatomical constraint axes at certain joints. The contribution of the error term was divided into four components caused by fluctuation of segment lengths, geometric variation in the constraint joint axes, and residual joint force and moment errors. The proposed methodology was applied to the running motion of thirteen rear-foot strikers at a constant speed of 3.3?m/s. Modelling errors arose primarily from fluctuations in support leg segment lengths and rapid movement of the virtual joint between the foot and ground during the first 20% of stance phase. The magnitudes of these error contributions to the vertical and anterior/posterior components of the GRF are presented alongside the non-error contributions, of which the joint torque term was the largest.     

The influence of cricket fast bowlers’ front leg technique on peak ground reaction forces

Abstract

High ground reaction forces during the front foot contact phase of the bowling action are believed to be a major contributor to the high prevalence of lumbar stress fractures in fast bowlers. This study aimed to investigate the influence of front leg technique on peak ground reaction forces during the delivery stride. Three-dimensional kinematic data and ground reaction forces during the front foot contact phase were captured for 20 elite male fast bowlers. Eight kinematic parameters were determined for each performance, describing run-up speed and front leg technique, in addition to peak force and time to peak force in the vertical and horizontal directions. There were substantial variations between bowlers in both peak forces (vertical 6.7 ± 1.4 body weights; horizontal (braking) 4.5 ± 0.8 body weights) and times to peak force (vertical 0.03 ± 0.01 s; horizontal 0.03 ± 0.01 s). These differences were found to be linked to the orientation of the front leg at the instant of front foot contact. In particular, a larger plant angle and a heel strike technique were associated with lower peak forces and longer times to peak force during the front foot contact phase, which may help reduce the likelihood of lower back injuries.     

Muscle force characteristics of male and female collegiate cross-country runners during overground running

ABSTRACT

Males and females demonstrate unique running mechanics that may contribute to sex-related differences in common running related injuries. Understanding differences in muscle forces during running may inform intervention approaches, such as gait retraining addressing muscle force distribution. The purpose of this study was to compare muscle force characteristics and inter-trial variability between males and females during running. Twenty female and 14 male collegiate cross-country runners were examined. Three-dimensional kinetic and kinematic data were collected during overground running and used to estimate muscle forces via musculoskeletal modelling. Principle components analysis was used to capture the primary sources of variance from the muscle force waveforms. The magnitude of the forces for the hamstrings, gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles were higher across the majority of stance in male runners regardless of footstrike pattern. Males also demonstrated greater inter-trial variability in the timing of the peak gluteus maximus force and the magnitude of local peaks in the gastrocnemius force waveform. Male and female collegiate cross-country runners appear to employ unique lower extremity muscle force characteristics during overground running.     

Primary mechanical factors contributing to foot eversion moment during the stance phase of running

Rearfoot external eversion moments due to ground reaction forces (GRF) during running have been suggested to contribute to overuse running injuries. This study aimed to identify primary factors inducing these rearfoot external eversion moments. Fourteen healthy men ran barefoot across a force plate embedded in the middle of 30-m runway with 3.30 ± 0.17 m · s^–1. Total rearfoot external eversion/inversion moments (Mtot) were broken down into the component Mxy due to medio-lateral GRF (Fxy) and the component Mz due to vertical GRF (Fz). Ankle joint centre height and medio-lateral distance from the centre of pressure to the ankle joint centre (a_cop) were calculated as the moment arm of these moments. Mxy dominated Mtot just after heel contact, with the magnitude strongly dependent on Fxy, which was most likely caused by the medio-lateral foot velocity before heel contact. Mz then became the main generator of Mtot throughout the first half of the stance phase, during which a_cop was the critical factor influencing the magnitude. Medio-lateral foot velocity before heel contact and medio-lateral distance from the centre of pressure to the ankle joint centre throughout the first half of the stance phase were identified as primary factors inducing the rearfoot external eversion moment.     

Are muscle activation patterns altered during shod and barefoot running with a forefoot footfall pattern?

This study aimed to investigate the activation of lower limb muscles during barefoot and shod running with forefoot or rearfoot footfall patterns. Nine habitually shod runners were asked to run straight for 20 m at self-selected speed. Ground reaction forces and thigh and shank muscle surface electromyographic (EMG) were recorded. EMG outcomes (EMG intensity [iEMG], latency between muscle activation and ground reaction force, latency between muscle pairs and co-activation index between muscle pairs) were compared across condition (shod and barefoot), running cycle epochs (pre-strike, strike, propulsion) and footfall (rearfoot and forefoot) by ANOVA. Condition affected iEMG at pre-strike epoch. Forefoot and rearfoot strike patterns induced different EMG activation time patterns affecting co-activation index for pairs of thigh and shank muscles. All these timing changes suggest that wearing shoes or not is less important for muscle activation than the way runners strike the foot on the ground. In conclusion, the guidance for changing external forces applied on lower limbs should be pointed to the question of rearfoot or forefoot footfall patterns.     

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 high forces in the lower limbs and running related injuries is discussed.     

短跑运动员途中跑支撑期摆动腿作用的运动学相关分析

为研究短跑运动员途中跑支撑阶段摆动腿对跑速的影响 ,采用高速摄影及影片解析、数理统计等方法 ,对我国短跑运动员途中跑支撑期摆动腿运动学特征等指标与身体重心速度、专项成绩之间的关系进行分析。结果表明 :途中跑中摆动腿最大摆动速度和平均摆动速度与支撑腿支撑时间显著相关 ,摆动腿的平均摆动速度与后蹬时间之间明显相关 ;摆动腿的摆动角速度与身体重心水平速度及垂直速度密切相关 ;支撑腿和摆动腿的角速度变化量与离地瞬间身体重心水平速度密切相关。提示 :加快摆动腿的摆动速度能有效提高缓冲和蹬伸速度 ,缩短支撑时间 ,提高途中跑的步频 ;摆动腿的摆动速度对加快身体重心水平速度有显著影响 ;加强和提高途中跑摆动腿的运动效果 ,提高短跑运动员下肢摆动工作肌群的力量。     

The defence technique in Tai Chi Push Hands: a case study

Developed from traditional Chinese martial arts, Tai Chi exercise includes different forms and interactive Push Hands but biomechanical analyses have focused on the former only. To analyse the techniques of Push Hands, an experienced master was asked to defend pushing by four opponents. Movements were videotaped and digitized using a motion analysis system. Surface electrodes were used to record the electromyographic activity of ten muscle groups. Two force plates were used to measure the ground reaction force on each foot. Inexperienced individuals performed the same procedure to serve as the control group. The results indicate that the master adopted a postural adjustment to maintain balance. A clear shift of body weight from the front to the rear foot and mediolateral displacement of the centre of gravity was observed. Low electromyographic activity was observed in the upper body muscle groups, while high electromyographic activity was observed in the right rectus femoris and very high activity in the left rectus femoris during the defence. All inexperienced participants lost their balance in resisting pushing. It is concluded that the Tai Chi defensive technique includes a subtle postural adjustment that slightly changes the pushing force direction, and allows the rear leg to resist the incoming force.     

The defence technique in Tai Chi Push Hands: A case study

Abstract

Developed from traditional Chinese martial arts, Tai Chi exercise includes different forms and interactive Push Hands but biomechanical analyses have focused on the former only. To analyse the techniques of Push Hands, an experienced master was asked to defend pushing by four opponents. Movements were videotaped and digitized using a motion analysis system. Surface electrodes were used to record the electromyographic activity of ten muscle groups. Two force plates were used to measure the ground reaction force on each foot. Inexperienced individuals performed the same procedure to serve as the control group. The results indicate that the master adopted a postural adjustment to maintain balance. A clear shift of body weight from the front to the rear foot and mediolateral displacement of the centre of gravity was observed. Low electromyographic activity was observed in the upper body muscle groups, while high electromyographic activity was observed in the right rectus femoris and very high activity in the left rectus femoris during the defence. All inexperienced participants lost their balance in resisting pushing. It is concluded that the Tai Chi defensive technique includes a subtle postural adjustment that slightly changes the pushing force direction, and allows the rear leg to resist the incoming force.     

Understanding the effect of touchdown distance and ankle joint kinematics on sprint acceleration performance through computer simulation

This study determined the effects of simulated technique manipulations on early acceleration performance. A planar seven-segment angle-driven model was developed and quantitatively evaluated based on the agreement of its output to empirical data from an international-level male sprinter (100 m personal best = 10.28 s). The model was then applied to independently assess the effects of manipulating touchdown distance (horizontal distance between the foot and centre of mass) and range of ankle joint dorsiflexion during early stance on horizontal external power production during stance. The model matched the empirical data with a mean difference of 5.2%. When the foot was placed progressively further forward at touchdown, horizontal power production continually reduced. When the foot was placed further back, power production initially increased (a peak increase of 0.7% occurred at 0.02 m further back) but decreased as the foot continued to touchdown further back. When the range of dorsiflexion during early stance was reduced, exponential increases in performance were observed. Increasing negative touchdown distance directs the ground reaction force more horizontally; however, a limit to the associated performance benefit exists. Reducing dorsiflexion, which required achievable increases in the peak ankle plantar flexor moment, appears potentially beneficial for improving early acceleration performance.     

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.     

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.     

Changes in ankle work,foot work,and tibialis anterior activation throughout a long run

Background:The ankle and foot together contribute to over half of the positive and negative work performed by the lower limbs during running.Yet,little is known about how foot kinetics change throughout a run.The amount of negative foot work may decrease as tibialis anterior(TA)electromyography(EMG) changes throughout longer-duration runs.Therefore,we examined ankle and foot work as well as TA EMG changes throughout a changing-speed run.Methods:Fourteen heel-striking subjects ran on a treadmill ...     

高水平女子羽毛球运动员下肢力量特征研究

通过对13名高水平女子羽毛球运动员进行下肢等速肌力测试,以及静态、行走、跑步、起跳、正反手跨弓步共5种运动状态的足底压力分析,发现:女子羽毛球运动员下肢肌群力量双侧较为均衡,髋部内收肌群、屈膝肌群、膝部内旋肌群、踝内旋肌群随运动速度加快而贡献程度不断增加;常速行走时左侧下肢用力自动化过程较敏感,双腿反向纵跳(CMJ)落地时右侧下肢承担了主要的缓冲负荷,单腿CMJ落地时左侧下肢离心负荷较右侧更大;反手区域步法受力高于正手区域,反手区域步法更多是足跟部受力,正手区域步法更多是足前部受力,限制下肢旋内运动的肌群均能影响常见步法的足内侧足底受力。     

我国优秀速度滑冰运动员途中滑跑腿部肌肉肌电特征研究

运用表面肌电和高速摄影同步技术,结合功能解剖学,分析王北星途中滑跑单步周期腿部肌电特征,进行技术诊断。结果表明：（1）王北星左腿力量大于右腿符合速滑项目特征,但左腿支撑时重心高于右腿,说明左腿仍属弱势腿;（2）王北星胫骨前肌是踝关节运动主要用力肌肉,是单步周期主要用力肌肉之一,摆动期出现多余放电;（3）王北星蹬冰期股四头肌和股后肌群肌电振幅呈双峰现象,股内肌、股外肌、股二头肌和半腱肌是主要用力肌肉;（4）王北星左右腿蹬冰期蹬冰肌群肌肉用力方式不一致。教练组应根据王北星腿部肌电特征,有针对性的设计训练方法。     

Changes in muscle activity with increasing running speed

Electromyographic (EMG) activity of the leg muscles and the ground reaction forces were recorded in 17 elite male middle-distance runners, who performed isometric maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) as well as running at different speeds. Electromyograms were recorded from the gluteus maximus, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior. The results indicated that the averaged EMG (aEMG) activities of all the muscles studied increased (P < 0.05) with increasing running speed, especially in the pre-contact and braking phases. At higher speeds, the aEMG activities of the gastrocnemius, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris and gluteus maximus exceeded 100% MVC in these same phases. These results suggest that maximal voluntary contractions cannot be used as an indicator of the full activation potential of human skeletal muscle. Furthermore, the present results suggest that increased pre-contact EMG potentiates the functional role of stretch reflexes, which subsequently increases tendomuscular stiffness and enhances force production in the braking and/or propulsive phases in running. Furthermore, a more powerful force production in the optimal direction for increasing running speed effectively requires increased EMG activity of the two-joint muscles (biceps femoris, rectus femoris and gastrocnemius) during the entire running cycle.     

The three-dimensional kinetic behaviour of the pelvic rotation in maximal sprint running

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of lumbosacral kinetics on sprinting. Twelve male sprinters performed 50 m sprints at maximal effort. Kinematic and ground reaction force data were recorded at approximately 40 m from sprint commencement. A whole-body inverse dynamics approach was applied to calculate joint forces and torques at the hip and lumbosacral joints. The contribution of the hips and lumbosacral joint torques to pelvic rotation was subsequently calculated, with joint force powers indicating the rate of mechanical energy transfer between segments across joint centres calculated for both hip joints. The kinetic analysis indicated that the lumbosacral torsional torque contributed significantly to pelvic rotation. Additionally, the pelvic rotation exerted anterior–posterior joint forces on the hips, contributing to the large positive joint force power at the hip of the stance leg. These hip joint force powers assisted in motion recovery during sprinting. In conclusion, the lumbosacral torsional torque might contribute to the recovery motion in sprinting through application of the anterior–posterior joint forces at the hip joints via pelvic rotation.