Biomechanics Commons^™

Sex Differences In Tibial Compression During Load Carriage Running On Challenging Surfaces, Eric Brian Francis

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Tibial stress fracture is a common and destructive musculoskeletal issue for military, particularly female, personnel. Common military tasks, such as walking and running with body borne load, reportedly lead to lower limb biomechanics that elevate tibial stress fracture risk. Yet, it is unknown if similar increases are evident when running with heavy load – particularly over varied terrain personnel commonly navigate during military exercises. Purpose: This study sought to quantify vertical ground reaction force (GRF) and tibial compression while participants ran with body borne load over challenging surfaces, and determined whether they differed between sexes. Hypothesis: Participants will exhibit …

Acute Ingestion Of Dark Chocolate Fails To Affect Running Economy In Recreational Female Runners, Bianca J. De Lucia, Beau Kjerulf Greer, Christopher B. Taber

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 5: Issue 1, Article 1, 2024. Ingestion of dark chocolate (DC), a dietary source high in flavanols, may increase nitric oxide bioavailability. Elevating blood nitric oxide concentrations may augment metabolic efficiency by reducing the amount of oxygen or energy needed to perform a given task. Utilizing a crossover design, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of acute ingestion of DC on running economy (RE). Nineteen recreationally trained females (age: 20±1 years) volunteered for this investigation, with 16 completing all procedures (n = 16). Two-hours before RE assessment, participants consumed …

Using Inertial Measurement Units (Imus) To Assess Fatigue-Related Changes In Running: Applications In Training Load Management, Reiley Thomas Bergin

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

The inertial measurement unit (IMU) is the most researched wearable technology in running. Yet, few studies have validated IMU-derived measures against accepted laboratory standards, such as three-dimensional (3D) motion capture and force plates. IMUs have the potential to provide information that can guide training load management decisions; however, no study has explored their capability to assess fatigue-related changes in running across consecutive days of training. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to evaluate the validity and reliability of IMU-derived measures and assess their capability for detecting fatigue-related changes in running in the days following an intensified training bout. The …

Footwear Selection, Foot Type, And Running Biomechanics Of Male Distance Runners With Previous Running Related Injury: A Case Series, Diego Castro I. Diaz

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

With the rise in popularity of running, running shoe companies have researched and designed several models aimed at the purpose of providing comfort and aiding in the decrease of running related injuries. Technology was developed for running shoes to control forefoot and rearfoot impact forces and rearfoot motion during running. However, there is no overwhelming evidence supporting the notion that footwear corresponding to foot type leads to a decrease in running injuries. Thus, the purpose of this study was to describe footwear selection, foot type, and running biomechanics in previously injured male distance runners. Six total participants completed this case …

Comparison Of Male And Female Ultramarathon Runners, Kelsey Klug

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This research study investigates how specific running variables and demographic characteristics impact performance, or speed, for ultramarathon runners. These variables and characteristics include biological sex, cadence, age range, total distance of the race, duration of the race, years of running experience, total number of ultramarathon races ever completed, and number of races completed in the last twelve months. An ultramarathon is any running distance over a standard marathon or 42.2 kilometers. Participation in ultramarathons has increased by 345% since 2010, with females making up 23% of participants. No in-person data collection was necessary for this study. Participants were asked to …

The Effect Of Running On The Onset And Development Of Osteoarthritis, Jordan Hekman

Senior Honors Theses

Osteoarthritis is a prominent and debilitating form of joint disease characterized by pain and deterioration of the articular cartilage and other tissues in the affected joint. Research has identified a variety of risk factors for osteoarthritis, including age, obesity, gender, previous injury, and occupation. The relationship between running and osteoarthritis is a topic of particular interest because of the prevalence of running as a simple and physiologically beneficial form of exercise. Increasing evidence suggests that recreational running has at worst no effect and at best a protective effect on joint and articular cartilage health in contrast to high-intensity professional/elite-level running …

The Relationship Between Gluteus Maximus Activation And Running Kinematics In Recreational Distance Runners, Ricardo Sanchez

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Within the running community, there are strategies that a trainer will utilize to improve the performance of an athlete. One of these strategies suggests that an increase in activation of the Gluteus Maximus (GM) muscle will result in an increase in the efficiency of runners. The primary purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between GM activation and running kinematics.

Methods: Three female and seven male recreational runners (27±8 yrs) from California Polytechnic State University, Humboldt and the local community. A Pearson product-correlation was used to determine the strength of the relationship between Gluteus Maximus activation and kinematic …

Hip Torque Is A Mechanistic Link Between Sprint Acceleration And Maximum Velocity Performance: A Theoretical Perspective, Kenneth P. Clark, Laurence J. Ryan

Kinesiology Faculty Publications

Sprinting performance is critical for a variety of sports and competitive activities. Prior research has demonstrated correlations between the limits of initial acceleration and maximum velocity for athletes of different sprinting abilities. Our perspective is that hip torque is a mechanistic link between these performance limits. A theoretical framework is presented here that provides estimates of sprint acceleration capability based on thigh angular acceleration and hip torque during the swing phase while running at maximum velocity. Performance limits were calculated using basic anthropometric values (body mass and leg length) and maximum velocity kinematic values (contact time, thigh range of motion, …

The Relationship Between Sex And Injury Based On Running Mechanics Of Collegiate Runners, Alena Naff, Robert Wayner, Janet E. Simon

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Please enjoy Volume 7, Issue 1 of the JSMAHS. In this issue, you will find Professional, Graduate, and Undergraduate research abstracts, and case reports.

Thank you for viewing this 7^th Annual OATA Special Edition.

Self-Selected Maximum But Not Jogging Speed Decreases With Age In Male And Female Runners, Heather Hamilton, Rumit Singh Kakar

College of Health Sciences Posters

Introduction: Running velocity decreases with age, likely resulting from physiological and musculoskeletal changes associated with aging. Females experience a more rapid decline in physical performance during middle age than males, therefore it is important to consider separate-sex analyses when studying running biomechanics and running-related injury. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between age and different running speeds separately for female and male runners.

Methods: Male (n=33) and female (n=46) runners (ages 18–65 years) ran at their self-selected JOG (long distance) and MAX (maximal running) pace on a treadmill. Running velocity was recorded. Simple linear regression was …

The Effects Of Turn Amplitude And Spatial Frequency On The Energetic Cost Of Running, Adam B. Grimmitt

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Compared to road running, those who run off-road face many unique challenges that impact their running mechanics and energetics. Current literature fails to address how the turns encountered on off-road paths might influence running performance. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of turn angle and frequency on the energetic cost of running. Twelve young adult runners (21±3 years) who run ≥ 30 miles/week and who can run < 22 min for 5 kilometers participated in this study. All subject performed four trials: one straight path trial and three turning paths trials with combined spatial frequencies (ξ- cycles per meter) and amplitudes (meters) of 0.083SF:4AMP, 0.167SF:4AMP, and 0.167SF:2AMP, respectively. Using breath by breath portable gas analysis, we measured V̇O2 and V̇CO2 in the last 2 minutes of each 6-minute trial to determine metabolic power (Watt/kg). Statistical analysis utilized a repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a post-hoc paired-sampled T-test to evaluate differences in energetic costs between paths. Compared to a virtually straight path, runners on average consumed 14% and 27% more metabolic energy on a path with turns of 0.167:2 (p=.002) and 0.167:4 (p

The Effects Of Increasing Running Speed On Vgrf And Asymmetry, Kaela M. Hierholzer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Biomechanical and physiological parameters related to running performance are usually studied separately. However, evaluating both aspects together could be beneficial in improving athletic performance. The purpose of this study was to observe the change in peak vGRF and asymmetry as speed increases, while observing physiological responses during a O_2maxtest. Data from athlete monitoring of 12 cross-country and triathlon athletes were analyzed. The athlete monitoring protocol included three unweighted countermovement jumps and a O_2maxtest performed by the athletes. The athletes had an average O_2maxof 53.4 ± 7.7 mL/kg/min, while their average vGRF asymmetry throughout the …

Does Wearing Multiple Pairs Of Shoes Influence Injury Rates?, Julien Mihy

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Running research has attempted to better understand the causes of movement-related injuries and a large segment of this research revolves around footwear and training regimens. A survey has reported lower injury rates in runners who wore multiple shoes with in a 5-month period. Previous literature lacks the analysis of variables leading to training related decisions and whether wearing multiple pairs of shoes can have an extended influence on injury rates. PURPOSE: To determine whether wearing multiple pairs of shoes has an influence on injury rates. METHODS: A survey was developed to ask participant’s injury related history along with their footwear, …

Biomechanics In The 4haie Study: Air Pollution And Musculoskeletal Health - An Update, Daniel Jandacka, Jaroslav Uchityil, David Zahradník, Roman Farana, Dominik Villimek, Jiri Skypala, Jan Urbaczka, Jan Plesek, Adam Motyka, Denisa Blaschova, Gabriela Beinhauerova, Marketa Rygelová, Pavel Brtva, Zuzana Golembiovska, Klara Balazova, Jan Malus, Veronika Horka, Julia F. Silvernail, Gareth Irwin, Miika T. Nieminen, Victor Casula, Vlado Juras, Milos Golian, Steriani Elavsky, Lenka Knapova, Radim Sram, Joseph Hamill

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Research

The overall purpose of the 4HAIE study was to assess the influence of the interaction between air pollution and biomechanical, physiological and psychosocial factors on the incidence of injuries, health and well-being. A total of 1,500 active runners and inactive controls aged 18-65 will be recruited. Herein, we describe the biomechanical study design with data examples to investigate musculoskeletal and neuro-mechanics health in different air quality regions.

Footfall Pattern During Running In Preschool Children According To Age And Footwear, Jan Plesek, Julia F. Silvernail, Joseph Hamill, Daniel Jandacka

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Research

The aim of this study was to compare the footfall pattern (FP) in different age groups of preschool children while they ran in standard running shoes (SRS) and barefoot. Forty-eight children aged 3-6 years participated in the study and were split into 4 age groups (n=12). All children performed a simple running game (based on the shuffle run) in SRS and barefoot. The length of the runway was adjusted for each age group. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected using 3-D motion capture system. We analyzed strike index (SI) and sagittal plane ankle angle (AA) at initial contact (IC) from …

Footstrike Patterns Of High And Mid-Mileage Non-Rearfoot Runners During An Exhaustive Run, Jan Urbaczka, Julia F. Silvernail, Daniel Jandacka

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Research

The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of fatigue on footstrike patterns in two groups of habitually non-rearfoot runners. Twenty-eight runners participating in this study were divided into two groups by their weekly mileage. Participants completed a VO2max test to determine the velocity for the fatiguing run. Kinematic, physiological and biochemical data from the beginning and the remaining 3 minutes of fatiguing treadmill run were obtained. The overall time for fatiguing run exceeded 40 minutes (t = 48,1 ± 3,6 min.). The foot angle at the instant of initial contact significantly changed in both groups following fatigue. …

The Independence Effects Of Gravitational And Inertial Forces On Gait Transitions In Humans, Nathan Frakes

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

The Dynamic Similarity hypothesis suggests gravitational and inertial forces plays a role in determining preferred transition speed (PTS) for walk to run transitions (WRT) and run to walk transitions (RWT), and that humans prefer to transition gait when the ratio of inertial force (IF) to gravitational force (GF) (i.e. Froude #) is ~0.5. Purpose: To investigate the effect of gravitational and inertial forces on PTS, Froude # (Fr) and kinematics for both WRT and RWT. Methods: Twelve healthy adults (9 M, 3 F) performed WRT and RWT trials on a treadmill across seven combinations of altered body weight (BW) and …

Differences In Running Mechanics And Tibial Plateau Dimensions Between Overweight/Obese And Healthy Weight Children, Claire Sylvestre

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: Overweight and obese (OW/OB) children display increased knee joint loading during running, which may lead to excessive frontal plane motion and moments at the knee joints. The relationship between tibial plateau dimensions and knee vertical loading may explain the loading related injuries OW/OB children experience.
PURPOSE: Compare knee mechanics during running and tibial plateau dimensions between healthy weight (HW) and OW/OB children.
METHODS: Ten HW children and ten OW/OB children aged 9-12 participated in the study. Kinematic and kinetic data were captured as participants ran across a force platform at 3.5m/s. Tibial plateau area and density were collected by …

Optimizing Beat Synchronized Running To Music, Jeska Buhmann, Edith Van Dyck, Dobromir Dotov, Marc Leman, Bart Moens

Journal Articles

The use of music and specifically tempo-matched music has been shown to affect running performance. But can we maximize the synchronization of movements to music and does maximum synchronization influence kinematics and motivation? In this study, we explore the effect of different types of music-to-movement alignment strategies on phase coherence, cadence and motivation. These strategies were compared to a control condition where the music tempo was deliberately not aligned to the running cadence. Results show that without relative phase alignment, a negative mean asynchrony (NMA) of footfall timings with respect to the beats is obtained. This means that footfalls occurred …

Linking Gait Dynamics To Mechanical Cost Of Legged Locomotion, David V. Lee, Sarah L. Harris

Life Sciences Faculty Research

For millenia, legged locomotion has been of central importance to humans for hunting, agriculture, transportation, sport, and warfare. Today, the same principal considerations of locomotor performance and economy apply to legged systems designed to serve, assist, or be worn by humans in urban and natural environments. Energy comes at a premium not only for animals, wherein suitably fast and economical gaits are selected through organic evolution, but also for legged robots that must carry sufficient energy in their batteries. Although a robot's energy is spent at many levels, from control systems to actuators, we suggest that the mechanical cost of …

The Effect Of Postural Alterations On Metabolic Cost In Running On Incline Slopes, Nikaela K. Hemminger

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

In spite of an intuitive relationship between running technique and performance, the influence of specific techniques on metabolic cost remains unclear. While recent studies suggest that postural lean affects metabolic cost during level ground running, little information exists regarding the influence of postural lean on the metabolic cost of running on an incline slope. Purpose: This study sought to investigate the effect of postural lean on metabolic cost, kinematics, and muscle activation of running across a range of incline slopes. Methods: Sixteen healthy adult runners (21±2 years, 8M/8F) of different competitive standards participated in twelve running trials on a motorized …

The Influence Of Crossfit Training On Running Mechanics, Sophia D. Bradley

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Introduction

40 million Americans run regularly.1 Contrary to many runner’s beliefs, increased strength may be beneficial while not adding body mass. An increase in strength in specific muscles may improve running gait and performance. 9,6 Strength training may also play an important role in preventing common overuse injuries in running 11,12 Depending on the style of strength training, it may also have an enhanced benefit on running economy.4,16

Participation in CrossFit is also widely popular, with an increase in participation of 923% in the past ten years.2 CrossFit is a type of strength training in which most movements performed utilize …

Investigation Of Sequential Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Effect On Run Performance, Max Evan Jones

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The main aim of this study was to determine if IPC after a 5000 m run influences maximal effort 1600 m run performance. A secondary purpose was to determine if the level of IPC pressure used influences run performance. Nine subjects (6 male and 3 female were included in the study; 30 years±5.19 years; Height 173.72cm±8.25; Weight; 72.54±9.97 kg). These subjects were recruited to be in this study via word of mouth or social media advertisement in the Las Vegas area. Participant inclusion criteria was 18- 50 year old apparently healthy, had been running a minimum of 20 miles a …

Reliability Of A Multisegment Foot Model In Shod Running, Austin Coupe

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to determine kinematic and marker placement reliability of the Leardini multisegment foot model (LMFM) for tracking foot kinematics during barefoot and shod running without alteration of footwear. Eleven participants, five males (25.6±5 yrs, 73±15.8 kg, 1.75±0.05m) and six females (22.5±2.9 yrs, 66.6±7.2 kg, 1.71±0.05 m) granted institutionally approved written consent to participate. Three-dimensional motion capture (10 Vicon T40-S cameras) was used to capture kinematic data at 200Hz. Kinetic data was captured with an in-ground force platform (Kistler Instruments AG, Switzerland Model 9281B 60x40cm, 2000Hz). Participants were instructed to run at 3.5m/s ±5%. Velocity was …

Stride Length-Speed Relationship During Body Weight Supported Running, Carmen Chona

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to determine if body weight support influences the stride length-speed relationship. Additionally, the purpose was to determine if impact characteristics of running are influenced by body weight support and speed. Subjects (n=10; 6 female, 4 male) volunteered to participate in this study. All subjects were injury free and were comfortable running on a treadmill for 30 minutes. Subjects ran on a lower body positive (LBPP, Alter-G, G-Trainer) treadmill for 4 conditions of body weight (100, 40, 30 and 20% of body weight) and 4 running speeds (100, 110, 120 and 130% of the preferred …

Effects Of Footstrike Pattern On Low Back Posture, Shock Attenuation, And Comfort During Running, Traci L. Delgado, Emilia Kubera-Shelton, Robert R. Robb

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose: Barefoot running (BF) is popular in the running community. Biomechanical changes occur with BF, especially when initial contact changes from rearfoot strike (RFS) to forefoot strike (FFS). In addition, changes in lumbar spine range of motion (ROM), particularly involving lumbar lordosis, have been associated with increased low back pain (LBP). However it is not known how changing from RFS to FFS affects lumbar lordosis or LBP. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine if a change from RFS to FFS would change lumbar lordosis, and/or decrease shock attenuation, and/or change comfort levels in healthy recreational/experienced runners.

Methods: …

The Effects Of Arch Taping On Shock Attenuation During Landing, Shun Jinnouchi

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of two different arch taping techniques on shock attenuation during landing. Each subject (n=12, age 25.5 ± 3.37 years, height 1.73 ± 0.04 m, mass 82.06 ± 16.23) was instrumented with accelerometers at the leg and forehead (sample rate = 1000 Hz). Subjects performed landings from a 30 cm box under three taping conditions: no tape, Low Dye, and Weave. For each condition, subjects completed 5 landing trials. Rest was provided between each trial and order of conditions was counterbalanced. During each landing, accelerations were recorded at 1000 Hz for …

Effect Of Racing Flats On Running Economy In Male Adolescent Runners, Paul Hafen

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether running economy differs in racing flats versus standard running shoes in high school cross-country runners. In order to measure running economy the oxygen cost of running (mL O₂∙kg^-1∙min^-1) was measured in 20 male adolescent runners (mean age = 16.25 ± 0.97 years, 5 km best time = 17.52 ± 0.78 min) when running two separate trials at a controlled speed. The speed was determined by estimating treadmill running speed at 85% of each runner's VO_2max. Each trial required the participants to run while …

Endurance Markers Are Related With Local Neuromuscular Response For The Intact But Not For The Acl Reconstructed Leg During High Intensity Running, Kostas Patras, Giorgos Ziogas, Stavros Ristanis, Elias Tsepis, Vasilis Tsiaras, Nikolaos Stergiou, Anastasios D. Georgoulis

Journal Articles

AIM: It has been demonstrated that the local neuromuscular response during high intensity exercise has a strong relationship with endurance markers. However, a diminished neuromuscular response has been reported for the operated leg in athletes having undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationships between endurance markers and the EMG response during high intensity running in ACLR athletes. METHODS: Fourteen ACLR soccer players underwent a GXT test to volitional exhaustion and a 10-min bout of high intensity running. During the 10-min bout, EMG data were recorded at the 3rd …

Acl Reconstructed Patients With A Bptb Graft Present An Impaired Vastus Lateralis Neuromuscular Response During High Intensity Running, Kostas Patras, Giorgos Ziogas, Stavros Ristanis, Elias Tsepis, Nikolaos Stergiou, Anastasios D. Georgoulis

Journal Articles

The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether the electromyographic response of the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructed leg is similar to that of the intact contralateral leg and healthy controls, during moderate and high intensity running. Fourteen bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) ACL reconstructed amateur soccer players and fourteen healthy control amateur soccer players volunteered to participate in the study. Electromyographic (EMG) traces from the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle were collected bilaterally, as athletes ran on a treadmill for 10 min on separate occasions, at moderate and high intensity. The dependent variable examined …