Runners are sometimes advised to alter their strike pattern as a means of increasing performance or in response to injury. The purpose of this study was to compare lower extremity mechanics of rearfoot strikers (RFS), who were instructed to run with a forefoot strike pattern (CFFS) to those of a preferred forefoot striker (FFS). Three-dimensional mechanics of 9 FFS and 9 CFFS were evaluated. Peak values for most kinematic and kinetic variables and all patterns of movement were not found to be statistically different between CFFS and FFS. Only peak vertical ground reaction force and peak ankle plantarflexion moment were found to be significantly lower (p ≤ .05) in the CFFS group. This suggests that RFS are able to assume a FFS pattern with very little practice that is very similar to that of a preferred FFS. The impact of changing one's strike pattern on injury risk and running performance needs further study.
Search Results
Lower Extremity Mechanics in Runners with a Converted Forefoot Strike Pattern
Dorsey S. Williams III, Irene S. McClay, and Kurt T. Manal
Ankle Bracing Decreases Vertical Jump Height and Alters Lower Extremity Kinematics
Bradley Smith, Tina Claiborne, and Victor Liberi
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of ankle bracing on vertical jump performance and lower extremity kinematics and electromyography (EMG) activity. Twenty healthy college athletes participated in two sessions, separated by a minimum of 24 hr. They performed five jumps with no brace on the first day, and five jumps with both ankles braced on the second day. An average of the three highest jumps each day was used for analysis. Braced vertical jump performance significantly decreased (p = .002) as compared with the unbraced condition. In addition, hip flexion (p = .043) and ankle plantar flexion (p = .001) angles were significantly smaller during the braced vertical jump. There was also a significant reduction in soleus muscle EMG (p = .002) during the braced condition.
Lower Extremity Biomechanical Differences Between Female Dancers and Soccer Players
Hayley M. Ericksen and Rachele E. Vogelpohl
previously evaluated in professional dancers compared to team sport athletes, 8 , 9 however there is little information comparing a more diverse, recreational dance population and team sport athletes. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to examine lower extremity kinematic differences between
Split-Belt Treadmill Walking Alters Lower Extremity Frontal Plane Mechanics
Jaimie A. Roper, Ryan T. Roemmich, Mark D. Tillman, Matthew J. Terza, and Chris J. Hass
stabilize the pelvis as the swing leg progresses forward. 3 , 4 Further, studies have demonstrated that certain lower extremity frontal plane mechanics (ie, impulse of the knee abduction moment and medio-lateral ground reaction forces) change with gait speed. 5 , 6 Interventions that manipulate gait speed
Frontal Plane Knee and Hip Kinematics During Sit-to-Stand and Proximal Lower Extremity Strength in Persons With Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Study
Lisa T. Hoglund, Howard J. Hillstrom, Ann E. Barr-Gillespie, Margery A. Lockard, Mary F. Barbe, and Jinsup Song
Increased joint stress and malalignment are etiologic factors in osteoarthritis. Static tibiofemoral frontal plane malalignment is associated with patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA). Patellofemoral joint stress is increased by activities such as sit-to-stand (STS); this stress may be even greater if dynamic frontal plane tibiofemoral malalignment occurs. If hip muscle or quadriceps weakness is present in persons with PFOA, aberrant tibiofemoral frontal plane movement may occur, with increased patellofemoral stress. No studies have investigated frontal plane tibiofemoral and hip kinematics during STS in persons with PFOA or the relationship of hip muscle and quadriceps strength to these motions. Eight PFOA and seven control subjects performed STS from a stool during three-dimensional motion capture. Hip muscle and quadriceps strength were measured as peak isometric force. The PFOA group demonstrated increased peak tibial abduction angles during STS, and decreased hip abductor, hip extensor, and quadriceps peak force versus controls. A moderate inverse relationship between peak tibial abduction angle and peak hip abductor force was present. No difference between groups was found for peak hip adduction angle or peak hip external rotator force. Dynamic tibiofemoral malalignment and proximal lower extremity weakness may cause increased patellofemoral stress and may contribute to PFOA incidence or progression.
Relationship Between Lower-Extremity Strength and Subjective Function in Individuals With Patellofemoral Pain
Neal R. Glaviano and Susan Saliba
identified in individuals with PFP. These impairments can be divided into nonmodifiable (anatomical) and modifiable factors (decreased flexibility, altered kinematics, and lower-extremity weakness). 6 Muscle weakness is a key modifiable deficit that has been identified frequently in the quadriceps and
Lower-Extremity Neuromuscular Function Following Concussion: A Preliminary Examination
Landon B. Lempke, Jarrod A. Call, Matthew C. Hoch, Julianne D. Schmidt, and Robert C. Lynall
concussed participant on sex, age (±1 y), height (±10%), mass (±5%), and concussion history (±1). 21 All participants were excluded if they had a history of any neurologic, memory, anxiety, or depression disorder; history of a lower-extremity musculoskeletal injury <180 days that resulted in >24 hours of
Sport Specialization’s Impact on Female Adolescent Athletes’ Lower-Extremity Neuromuscular Control: A Critically Appraised Topic
Sierra Reich, Jeremy Hawkins, Alli Powell, and Michael Reeder
the exclusion of participation in other sports, and starting this single sport commitment prior to age 12. 2 The consequences of sport specialization in adolescents are continuing to be analyzed with current research depicting an increased risk of lower-extremity injury among athletes who possess
The Reliability of an Upper- and Lower-Extremity Visuomotor Reaction Time Task
Caitlin Brinkman, Shelby E. Baez, Carolina Quintana, Morgan L. Andrews, Nick R. Heebner, Matthew C. Hoch, and Johanna M. Hoch
commercial devices. For example, Wilkerson et al 2 identified a relationship between upper-extremity VMRT and lower-extremity injury risk with the Dynavision D2 system (Dynavision; Dynavision International LLC, West Chester, OH). The Dynavision D2 system provides a reliable measure of VMRT, 3 , 4 reliant
Lower-Extremity Energetic Distribution During Rate-Controlled Ballet Jumps (Sautés) in Healthy Dancers
Amanda C. Yamaguchi, Lindsey H. Trejo, Hai-Jung Steffi Shih, David Ortiz-Weissberg, and Kornelia Kulig
length–tension position. The type of dance jump also impacts the lower-extremity biomechanics. A rate-driven bipedal hop in combination with the upright trunk requires greater contribution from the ankle and knee joints. Thus, dance jumps, especially bipedal hops, are driven by the ankle and knee joints
