2013, Volume 5, Issue 3
The influence of lower extremity coronal plane movements on the passive regulation of instantaneous loading mechanics during running
Jonathan Kenneth Sinclair1, Paul John Taylor2, Sarah Jane Hobbs2
1Division of Sport Exercise and Nutritional Science, School of Sport Tourism and Outdoors, University of Central Lancashire
2School of Psychology, University of Central Lancashire
Author for correspondence: Jonathan Kenneth Sinclair; Division of Sport Exercise and Nutritional Science, School of Sport Tourism and Outdoors, University of Central Lancashire; email: Jksinclair[at]uclan.ac.uk
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Abstract
Background: The repetitive transmission of impact forces may contribute to the aetiology of overuse injuries. Therefore determining the mechanisms that regulate impact loading has potential clinical significance.This study aimed to determine the influence of lower extremity coronal plane kinematics on the regulation of impact loading during running.
Material/Methods: Thirty-six participants ran at 4.0 m.s-1striking the centre of a piezoelectric force platform with their dominant limb. Coronal plane angular kinematics about the hip, knee and ankle joints were measured using an eight-camera motion analysis system operating at 250 Hz. Regression analyses with instantaneous loading rate magnitude as a criterion were used to identify the coronal plane parameters associated with impact loading.
Results: The overall regression model yielded Adj R2 = 0.37, p ≤ 0.01. Two biomechanical parameters were obtained as significant predictors of the instantaneous loading rate. Peak ankle eversion Adj R2 = 0.22, p ≤ 0.01 and peak eversion angular velocity of the ankle Adj R2 = 0.15, p ≤ 0.01 were found to be significant predictors of instantaneous loading rate.
Conclusions: The findings of the current investigation therefore suggest that passive joint motions in the coronal plane can regulate the magnitude of impact loading, linked to the development of chronic injuries.
Key words: impact loading, kinematics, coronal plane, passive regulation