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Skypala J, Hamill J, Sebera M, Elavsky S, Monte A, Jandacka D. Running-Related Achilles Tendon Injury: A Prospective Biomechanical Study in Recreational Runners. J Appl Biomech 2023:1-9. [PMID: 37419494 DOI: 10.1123/jab.2022-0221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
There are relatively few running studies that have attempted to prospectively identify biomechanical risk factors associated with Achilles tendon (AT) injuries. Therefore, the aim was to prospectively determine potential running biomechanical risk factors associated with the development of AT injuries in recreational, healthy runners. At study entry, 108 participants completed a set of questionnaires. They underwent an analysis of their running biomechanics at self-selected running speed. The incidence of AT running-related injuries (RRI) was assessed after 1-year using a weekly questionnaire standardized for RRI. Potential biomechanical risk factors for the development of AT RRI injury were identified using multivariable logistic regression. Of the 103 participants, 25% of the sample (15 males and 11 females) reported an AT RRI on the right lower limb during the 1-year evaluation period. A more flexed knee at initial contact (odds ratio = 1.146, P = .034) and at the midstance phase (odds ratio = 1.143, P = .037) were significant predictors for developing AT RRI. The results suggested that a 1-degree increase in knee flexion at initial contact and midstance was associated with a 15% increase in the risk of an AT RRI, thus causing a limitation of training or a stoppage of running in runners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiri Skypala
- Department of Human Movement Studies, Human Motion Diagnostic Center, University of Ostrava, Ostrava,Czech Republic
| | - Joseph Hamill
- Department of Human Movement Studies, Human Motion Diagnostic Center, University of Ostrava, Ostrava,Czech Republic
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA,USA
| | - Michal Sebera
- Department of Human Movement Studies, Human Motion Diagnostic Center, University of Ostrava, Ostrava,Czech Republic
| | - Steriani Elavsky
- Department of Human Movement Studies, Human Motion Diagnostic Center, University of Ostrava, Ostrava,Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Monte
- Department of Human Movement Studies, Human Motion Diagnostic Center, University of Ostrava, Ostrava,Czech Republic
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona,Italy
| | - Daniel Jandacka
- Department of Human Movement Studies, Human Motion Diagnostic Center, University of Ostrava, Ostrava,Czech Republic
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Ko M, Ma T, Xiong S. Acute Effects of Carbon Fiber Insole on Three Aspects of Sports Performance, Lower Extremity Muscle Activity, and Subjective Comfort. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:2154. [PMID: 36850749 PMCID: PMC9966218 DOI: 10.3390/s23042154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Carbon fiber insole (CFI), which is lightweight and stiff to reduce energy loss and help wearers perform better in sports, has recently been introduced. However, reports are scarce on the effects of CFI on sports performance, muscle activation, and wearing comfort. This study investigated the acute effects of CFI on sports performance, lower extremity muscle activity, and subjective comfort. Thirty young healthy males with shoe sizes between 260 and 270 mm performed various sports tasks (power generation, agility, and speed) and treadmill runs with wearable sensors under two experimental insole conditions (benchmark insole as a baseline, CFI). The results showed that, compared to the benchmark insole, CFI significantly improved sports performance in terms of power generation (~1.5%) and agility (~1%). However, it activated more of the Tibialis Anterior (~0.7%) and Gastrocnemius Medialis (~0.8%) muscles, and was perceived to be stiffer and less comfortable. These findings suggested that CFI could improve sports performance, but could cause more lower extremity muscle activation and subjective discomfort.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shuping Xiong
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
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Agresta C, Giacomazzi C, Harrast M, Zendler J. Running Injury Paradigms and Their Influence on Footwear Design Features and Runner Assessment Methods: A Focused Review to Advance Evidence-Based Practice for Running Medicine Clinicians. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:815675. [PMID: 35356094 PMCID: PMC8959543 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.815675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Many runners seek health professional advice regarding footwear recommendations to reduce injury risk. Unfortunately, many clinicians, as well as runners, have ideas about how to select running footwear that are not scientifically supported. This is likely because much of the research on running footwear has not been highly accessible outside of the technical footwear research circle. Therefore, the purpose of this narrative review is to update clinical readers on the state of the science for assessing runners and recommending running footwear that facilitate the goals of the runner. We begin with a review of basic footwear construction and the features thought to influence biomechanics relevant to the running medicine practitioner. Subsequently, we review the four main paradigms that have driven footwear design and recommendation with respect to injury risk reduction: Pronation Control, Impact Force Modification, Habitual Joint (Motion) Path, and Comfort Filter. We find that evidence in support of any paradigm is generally limited. In the absence of a clearly supported paradigm, we propose that in general clinicians should recommend footwear that is lightweight, comfortable, and has minimal pronation control technology. We further encourage clinicians to arm themselves with the basic understanding of the known effects of specific footwear features on biomechanics in order to better recommend footwear on a patient-by-patient basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristine Agresta
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- *Correspondence: Cristine Agresta
| | - Christina Giacomazzi
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Mark Harrast
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Toro IS, Weir G, Amado A, Emmerik RV, Ervilha U, Hamill J. Is coordination variability using vector coding different in overground and treadmill walking and running? Gait Posture 2022; 92:413-420. [PMID: 34968998 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2021.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coordination variability has been linked to overuse running injuries and has been studied both on a treadmill and over-ground. It is not clear, however, if the coordination variability data from over-ground locomotion can be compared with treadmill locomotion data. RESEARCH QUESTION Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare coordination variability of selected lower extremity couplings at different locomotor speeds during over-ground and treadmill walking and running. METHODS Nineteen (10 female, 9 male) healthy, recreational collegiate runners participated in this study. Each participant performed in two different conditions: over-ground and on a treadmill at three walking speeds (1.2, 1.6, and 2.0 m•s-1) and three running speeds (2.8, 3.2, and 3.6 m•s-1). A modified vector coding technique was used to calculate coordination variability for five selected coupled segment and joint angles. Each of the segmental couples was analyzed separately using a two-way repeated measures ANOVA (Condition Χ Speed) implemented with one-dimensional statistical parametric mapping. RESULTS While no interaction effects were observed for condition X speed, we saw increased coordination variability in the sagittal couples during overground compared with treadmill locomotion, which predominantly occurred during the stance phase. There were mixed results for changes in coordination variability as a function of gait speed. However, for the sagital plane couplings, coordination variability decreased with speed, particularly during the stance phase. SIGNIFICANCE These results suggest that the controlled belt speed of the treadmill affects the intrinsic dynamics of human movement and this should be considered when making comparisons between treadmill and over-ground studies and in future study designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Santana Toro
- Biomechanics Laboratory, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA; School of Arts Sciences and Humanities, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Gillian Weir
- School of Arts Sciences and Humanities, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Avelino Amado
- Motor Control Laboratory, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA.
| | | | - Ulysses Ervilha
- School of Arts Sciences and Humanities, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Joseph Hamill
- Biomechanics Laboratory, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA.
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Freitas DC, Silva GDM, Lüdorf SMA. Social aspects and sports performance: the principle of social-corporeal individuality. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE CIÊNCIAS DO ESPORTE 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/rbce.44.e005622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The study aims to analyze sociocultural aspects of the practice of trail running and how these relate to the performance of amateur athletes. We used a qualitative perspective to observe the participants, as well as field-notes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with amateur athletes of regional prominence. Data were processed considering content analysis. For those under investigation, trail running, besides relieving daily drudgery, is seen as a setting which enables personal development and social interaction. We conclude that elements of a non-biological nature connected to a practice routine must be considered when planning said practice, since they seem to create impacts on athlete performance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gustavo da Motta Silva
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil; Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
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Jiang X, Yang X, Zhou H, Baker JS, Gu Y. Prolonged Running Using Bionic Footwear Influences Lower Limb Biomechanics. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9020236. [PMID: 33672191 PMCID: PMC7926525 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9020236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The running biomechanics of unstable shoes have been well investigated, however, little is known about how traditional neutral shoes in combination with unstable design elements and scientifically (bionic) designed shoes influence prolonged running biomechanics. The purpose of this study was to investigate biomechanical changes for a typical 5 km run and how footwear technology may affect outcomes. Sixteen healthy male recreational heel strike runners participated in this study, and completed two prolonged running sessions (neutral shoe session and bionic shoe session), with 7 to 10 days interval between sessions. A two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA, shoe × time) was conducted to determine any differences in joint biomechanics. Main effects for shoe type were observed at the ankle, knee and hip joints during the stance phase. In particular, decreased range of motion (ROM) was observed using the bionic shoes for all three joints, and the joint moments also had significant changes except for the frontal plane of the hip. Main effects for time were also observed at the ankle, knee and hip joints. The ROM of the sagittal plane in the knee and hip decreased post-5 km running. The reduction of ankle dorsiflexion, hip flexion, hip adduction and hip internal rotation angles were observed post-5 km running, as well as the increase of ankle eversion and external rotation, knee adduction and internal rotation angles. The kinetics also exhibited significant differences between pre-5 km running and post-5 km running. The interaction effects only existed in the ROM of the hip sagittal plane, hip adduction angle and hip internal rotation angle. The results suggested that bionic shoes could be beneficial for strengthening muscle control, enhancing postural stability and proprioceptive ability. Footwear personalization could be a solution that benefits runners, reduces injury risk and improves running performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyan Jiang
- Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (X.J.); (X.Y.)
- Research Academy of Grand Health, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China;
| | - Xiaoyi Yang
- Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (X.J.); (X.Y.)
- Research Academy of Grand Health, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China;
| | - Huiyu Zhou
- Research Academy of Grand Health, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China;
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Scotland G72 0LH, UK
| | - Julien S. Baker
- Centre for Health and Exercise Science Research, Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Correspondence: (J.S.B.); (Y.G.)
| | - Yaodong Gu
- Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (X.J.); (X.Y.)
- Research Academy of Grand Health, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China;
- Correspondence: (J.S.B.); (Y.G.)
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