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Carson NM, Aslan DH, Ortega JD. The effect of forward postural lean on running economy, kinematics, and muscle activation. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302249. [PMID: 38809851 PMCID: PMC11135760 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Running economy, commonly defined as the metabolic energy demand for a given submaximal running speed, is strongly associated with distance running performance. It is commonly believed among running coaches and runners that running with increased forward postural lean either from the ankle or waist improves running economy. However, recent biomechanical research suggests using a large forward postural lean during running may impair running economy due to increased demand on the leg muscles. PURPOSE This study tests the effect of altering forward postural lean and lean strategy on running economy, kinematics, and muscle activity. METHODS 16 healthy young adult runners (23±5 years, 8M/8F) ran on a motorized treadmill at 3.58m/s using three postural lean angles [upright, moderate lean (50% of maximal lean angle), and maximal lean] and two strategies (lean from ankle and lean from waist [trunk lean]). Metabolic energy consumption, leg kinematics, and muscle activation data were recorded for all trials. RESULTS Regardless of lean strategy, running with an increased forward postural lean (up to 8±2 degrees) increased metabolic cost (worsened economy) by 8% (p < .001), increased hip flexion (p < .001), and increased gluteus maximus (p = .016) and biceps femoris (p = .02) muscle activation during the stance phase. This relation between running economy and postural lean angle was similar between the ankle and trunk lean strategies (p = .743). CONCLUSION Running with a large forward postural lean reduced running economy and increased reliance on less efficient extensor leg muscles. In contrast, running with a more upright or moderate forward postural lean may be more energetically optimal, and lead to improved running performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina M. Carson
- School of Applied Health, California State Polytechnic University Humboldt, Arcata, CA, United States of America
| | - Daniel H. Aslan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Justus D. Ortega
- School of Applied Health, California State Polytechnic University Humboldt, Arcata, CA, United States of America
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AminiAghdam S, Rode C. Posture-induced modulation of lower-limb joint powers in perturbed running. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302867. [PMID: 38743754 PMCID: PMC11093285 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite evidence on trunk flexion's impact on locomotion mechanics, its role in modulating lower-limb energetics during perturbed running remains underexplored. Therefore, we investigated posture-induced power redistribution in the lower-limb joints (hip, knee, and ankle), along with the relative contribution from each joint to total lower-limb average positive and negative mechanical powers (i.e., over time) during perturbed running. Twelve runners (50% female) ran at self-selected (~15°) and three more sagittal trunk inclinations (backward, ~0°; low forward, ~20°; high forward, ~25°) on a custom-built runway, incorporating both a level surface and a 10 cm visible drop-step positioned midway, while simultaneously recording three-dimensional kinematics and kinetics. We used inverse dynamics analysis to determine moments and powers in lower-limb joints. Increasing the trunk forward inclination yielded the following changes in lower-limb mechanics: a) an elevation in total positive power with a distoproximal shift and a reduction in total negative power; b) systematic increases in hip positive power, coupled with decreased and increased contribution to total negative (during level-step) and positive (during drop-step) powers, respectively; c) reductions in both negative and positive knee powers, along with a decrease in its contribution to total positive power. Regardless of the trunk posture, accommodating drop-steps while running demands elevated total limb negative and positive powers with the ankle as a primary source of energy absorption and generation. Leaning the trunk more forward induces a distoproximal shift in positive power, whereas leaning backward exerts an opposing influence on negative power within the lower-limb joints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soran AminiAghdam
- Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Department of Motion Science, Institute of Sport Science, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Rode
- Department of Motion Science, Institute of Sport Science, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany
- Department of Biomechanics, Institute of Sport Science, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
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3
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Van Hooren B, Jukic I, Cox M, Frenken KG, Bautista I, Moore IS. The Relationship Between Running Biomechanics and Running Economy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies. Sports Med 2024; 54:1269-1316. [PMID: 38446400 PMCID: PMC11127892 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-024-01997-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Running biomechanics is considered an important determinant of running economy (RE). However, studies examining associations between running biomechanics and RE report inconsistent findings. OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review was to determine associations between running biomechanics and RE and explore potential causes of inconsistency. METHODS Three databases were searched and monitored up to April 2023. Observational studies were included if they (i) examined associations between running biomechanics and RE, or (ii) compared running biomechanics between groups differing in RE, or (iii) compared RE between groups differing in running biomechanics during level, constant-speed, and submaximal running in healthy humans (18-65 years). Risk of bias was assessed using a modified tool for observational studies and considered in the results interpretation using GRADE. Meta-analyses were performed when two or more studies reported on the same outcome. Meta-regressions were used to explore heterogeneity with speed, coefficient of variation of height, mass, and age as continuous outcomes, and standardization of running shoes, oxygen versus energetic cost, and correction for resting oxygen or energy cost as categorical outcomes. RESULTS Fifty-one studies (n = 1115 participants) were included. Most spatiotemporal outcomes showed trivial and non-significant associations with RE: contact time r = - 0.02 (95% confidence interval [CI] - 0.15 to 0.12); flight time r = 0.11 (- 0.09 to 0.32); stride time r = 0.01 (- 0.8 to 0.50); duty factor r = - 0.06 (- 0.18 to 0.06); stride length r = 0.12 (- 0.15 to 0.38), and swing time r = 0.12 (- 0.13 to 0.36). A higher cadence showed a small significant association with a lower oxygen/energy cost (r = - 0.20 [- 0.35 to - 0.05]). A smaller vertical displacement and higher vertical and leg stiffness showed significant moderate associations with lower oxygen/energy cost (r = 0.35, - 0.31, - 0.28, respectively). Ankle, knee, and hip angles at initial contact, midstance or toe-off as well as their range of motion, peak vertical ground reaction force, mechanical work variables, and electromyographic activation were not significantly associated with RE, although potentially relevant trends were observed for some outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Running biomechanics can explain 4-12% of the between-individual variation in RE when considered in isolation, with this magnitude potentially increasing when combining different variables. Implications for athletes, coaches, wearable technology, and researchers are discussed in the review. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/293 ND (OpenScience Framework).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bas Van Hooren
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Ivan Jukic
- Sport Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ), Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
- School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Maartje Cox
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Koen G Frenken
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Iker Bautista
- Institute of Sport, Nursing and Allied Health, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK
- Department of Physiotherapy, Catholic University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Isabel S Moore
- School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
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Bramah C, Mendiguchia J, Dos'Santos T, Morin JB. Exploring the Role of Sprint Biomechanics in Hamstring Strain Injuries: A Current Opinion on Existing Concepts and Evidence. Sports Med 2024; 54:783-793. [PMID: 37725240 PMCID: PMC11052868 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-023-01925-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Hamstring strain injuries are one of the most common injuries in sprint-based sports with the mechanism of injury considered the result of an interaction between applied mechanical strain and the capacity of the muscle to tolerate strain. To date, injury prevention and rehabilitation strategies have frequently focused on enhancing the capacity of the hamstrings to tolerate strain, with little consideration of factors directly influencing mechanical strain. Sprint running biomechanics are one factor proposed to influence the mechanical strain applied to the hamstrings that may be modified (towards reduced strain) within rehabilitation and injury prevention programs. This article aims to explore the theoretical mechanistic link between sprint running mechanics and hamstring strain injury, along with the available supporting evidence. In doing so, it hopes to provide practitioners with an understanding of mechanical parameters that may influence hamstring strain injury whilst also identifying areas for further research exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Bramah
- School of Health and Society, University of Salford, Allerton Building, Frederick Road Campus, Salford, M6 6PU, UK.
- Manchester Institute of Health and Performance, Manchester, UK.
| | - Jurdan Mendiguchia
- Department of Physical Therapy, ZENTRUM Rehab and Performance Centre, Barañain, Spain
| | - Thomas Dos'Santos
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
- Manchester Institute of Sport, Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Jean-Benoȋt Morin
- University Jean Monnet Saint-Etienne, Lyon 1, University Savoie Mont-Blanc, Inter-University Laboratory of Human Movement Biology, EA 7424, Saint-Etienne, France
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Hanley B, Thomas AL, Tucker CB. Kinematic and spatiotemporal differences between footstrike patterns in elite male and female 10,000 m runners in competition. Sports Biomech 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38193478 DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2024.2301995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine spatiotemporal and joint kinematic differences between footstrike patterns in 10,000 m running. Seventy-two men's and 42 women's footstrike patterns were analysed during laps 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 (of 25) using 2D video recordings. Approximately 47% of men were FFS throughout the race, 30% were MFS and 24% RFS; the respective frequencies in women were approximately 30%, 38% and 32%. Overall, 83% of men and 88% of women retained their footstrike pattern throughout the race. Amongst the 53 men and 33 women with symmetrical footstrike patterns, there were no differences in speed, step length or cadence between footstrike groups in either sex. Most lower limb joint angles did not change in these athletes during the event, with few differences between footstrike patterns apart from ankle and foot angles. A greater hip-ankle distance was found in RFS than in FFS (both sexes) and in RFS than in MFS (men only), although these differences were never more than 0.03 m. Coaches should note that habitual footstrike patterns were maintained during this long-distance track race despite changes in running speed and possible fatigue, and there were few performance differences between footstrike patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aaron L Thomas
- Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
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Rubio JE, Tong J, Sundaramurthy A, Subramani AV, Kote VB, Baggaley M, Edwards WB, Reifman J. Differences in running biomechanics between young, healthy men and women carrying external loads. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1250937. [PMID: 37854880 PMCID: PMC10579583 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1250937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
During U.S. Army basic combat training (BCT), women are more prone to lower-extremity musculoskeletal injuries, including stress fracture (SF) of the tibia, with injury rates two to four times higher than those in men. There is evidence to suggest that the different injury rates are, in part, due to sex-specific differences in running biomechanics, including lower-extremity joint kinematics and kinetics, which are not fully understood, particularly when running with external load. To address this knowledge gap, we collected computed tomography images and motion-capture data from 41 young, healthy adults (20 women and 21 men) running on an instrumented treadmill at 3.0 m/s with loads of 0.0 kg, 11.3 kg, or 22.7 kg. Using individualized computational models, we quantified the running biomechanics and estimated tibial SF risk over 10 weeks of BCT, for each load condition. Across all load conditions, compared to men, women had a significantly smaller flexion angle at the trunk (16.9%-24.6%) but larger flexion angles at the ankle (14.0%-14.7%). Under load-carriage conditions, women had a larger flexion angle at the hip (17.7%-23.5%). In addition, women had a significantly smaller hip extension moment (11.8%-20.0%) and ankle plantarflexion moment (10.2%-14.3%), but larger joint reaction forces (JRFs) at the hip (16.1%-22.0%), knee (9.1%-14.2%), and ankle (8.2%-12.9%). Consequently, we found that women had a greater increase in tibial strain and SF risk than men as load increases, indicating higher susceptibility to injuries. When load carriage increased from 0.0 kg to 22.7 kg, SF risk increased by about 250% in women but only 133% in men. These results provide quantitative evidence to support the Army's new training and testing doctrine, as it shifts to a more personalized approach that shall account for sex and individual differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose E. Rubio
- Department of Defense Biotechnology High Performance Computing Software Applications Institute, Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, United States Army Medical Research and Development Command, Fort Detrick, MD, United States
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Junfei Tong
- Department of Defense Biotechnology High Performance Computing Software Applications Institute, Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, United States Army Medical Research and Development Command, Fort Detrick, MD, United States
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Aravind Sundaramurthy
- Department of Defense Biotechnology High Performance Computing Software Applications Institute, Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, United States Army Medical Research and Development Command, Fort Detrick, MD, United States
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Adhitya V. Subramani
- Department of Defense Biotechnology High Performance Computing Software Applications Institute, Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, United States Army Medical Research and Development Command, Fort Detrick, MD, United States
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Vivek Bhaskar Kote
- Department of Defense Biotechnology High Performance Computing Software Applications Institute, Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, United States Army Medical Research and Development Command, Fort Detrick, MD, United States
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Michael Baggaley
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- The McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - W. Brent Edwards
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- The McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jaques Reifman
- Department of Defense Biotechnology High Performance Computing Software Applications Institute, Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, United States Army Medical Research and Development Command, Fort Detrick, MD, United States
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Vincent HK, Vincent KR. Healthy Running Habits for the Distance Runner: Clinical Utility of the American College of Sports Medicine Infographic. Curr Sports Med Rep 2022; 21:463-469. [PMID: 36508604 DOI: 10.1249/jsr.0000000000001019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Healthy running form is characterized by motion that minimizes mechanical musculoskeletal injury risks and improves coactivation of muscles that can buffer impact loading and reduce stresses related to chronic musculoskeletal pain. The American College of Sports Medicine Consumer Outreach Committee recently launched an infographic that describes several healthy habits for the general distance runner. This review provides the supporting evidence, expected acute motion changes with use, and practical considerations for clinical use in patient cases. Healthy habits include: taking short, quick, and soft steps; abdominal bracing; elevating cadence; linearizing arm swing; controlling forward trunk lean, and; avoiding running through fatigue. Introduction of these habits can be done sequentially one at a time to build on form, or more than one over time. Adoption can be supported by various feedback forms and cueing. These habits are most successful against injury when coupled with regular dynamic strengthening of the kinetic chain, adequate recovery with training, and appropriate shoe wear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather K Vincent
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, UF Health Running Medicine and Sports Performance Center, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
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Bastir M, González Ruíz JM, Rueda J, Garrido López G, Gómez-Recio M, Beyer B, San Juan AF, Navarro E. Variation in human 3D trunk shape and its functional implications in hominin evolution. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11762. [PMID: 35817835 PMCID: PMC9273616 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15344-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the contribution of external trunk morphology and posture to running performance in an evolutionary framework. It has been proposed that the evolution from primitive to derived features of torso shape involved changes from a mediolaterally wider into a narrower, and antero-posteriorly deeper into a shallower, more lightly built external trunk configuration, possibly in relation to habitat-related changes in locomotor and running behaviour. In this context we produced experimental data to address the hypothesis that medio-laterally narrow and antero-posteriorly shallow torso morphologies favour endurance running capacities. We used 3D geometric morphometrics to relate external 3D trunk shape of trained, young male volunteers (N = 27) to variation in running velocities during different workloads determined at 45–50%, 70% and 85% of heart rate reserve (HRR) and maximum velocity. Below 85% HRR no relationship existed between torso shape and running velocity. However, at 85% HRR and, more clearly, at maximum velocity, we found highly statistically significant relations between external torso shape and running performance. Among all trained subjects those with a relatively narrow, flat torso, a small thoracic kyphosis and a more pronounced lumbar lordosis achieved significantly higher running velocities. These results support the hypothesis that external trunk morphology relates to running performance. Low thoracic kyphosis with a flatter ribcage may affect positively respiratory biomechanics, while increased lordosis affects trunk posture and may be beneficial for lower limb biomechanics related to leg return. Assuming that running workload at 45–50% HRR occurs within aerobic metabolism, our results may imply that external torso shape is unrelated to the evolution of endurance running performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Bastir
- Paleoanthropology Group, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, J.G. Abascal 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain.
| | - José María González Ruíz
- Paleoanthropology Group, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, J.G. Abascal 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Rueda
- Department of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Physical Activity and Sports Sciences-INEF, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Garrido López
- Department of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Physical Activity and Sports Sciences-INEF, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Gómez-Recio
- Paleoanthropology Group, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, J.G. Abascal 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Benoit Beyer
- Laboratory of Functional Anatomy (LAF), Faculty of Motor Skills Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alejandro F San Juan
- Department of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Physical Activity and Sports Sciences-INEF, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Enrique Navarro
- Department of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Physical Activity and Sports Sciences-INEF, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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