Is passive metatarsophalangeal joint stiffness related to leg stiffness, vertical stiffness and running economy during sub-maximal running?

2016 ◽  
Vol 49 ◽  
pp. 303-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hok Sum Man ◽  
Wing Kai Lam ◽  
Justin Lee ◽  
Catherine M. Capio ◽  
Aaron Kam Lun Leung
Keyword(s):  
Joint Stiffness ◽  
Metatarsophalangeal Joint ◽  
Running Economy ◽  
Vertical Stiffness ◽  
Leg Stiffness

scholarly journals Influence of Sport Type on Metatarsophalangeal and Ankle Joint Stiffness and Hopping Performance

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Yu Liu ◽  
Wing-Kai Lam ◽  
Hok-Sum Man ◽  
Aaron Kam-Lun Leung
Keyword(s):  
Joint Stiffness ◽  
Metatarsophalangeal Joint ◽  
Sports Participation ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Passive Stiffness ◽  
Basketball Players ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Marathon Runners ◽  
Vertical Stiffness ◽  
Bivariate Correlation

While individual ankle and metatarsophalangeal joint stiffness is related to training intensity and sport performances, sport athletes may develop specific passive joint stiffness among the spectrum from endurance to powerful types of sports. The objective of this study examined whether marathon runners, basketball players, and other sports athletes would demonstrate distinct passive ankle and metatarsophalangeal joint stiffness as well as vertical stiffness. Fifteen marathon runners, nineteen basketball players, and seventeen other sports athletes performed both joint stiffness measurement and single-leg hopping tests. We used a computerized dynamometer to control foot alignment and speed for passive ankle and metatarsophalangeal joint stiffness measurements. We calculated vertical stiffness by body deceleration and body mass displacement during hopping on the force platform. One-way ANOVA was performed to identify the group differences. Bivariate correlation test was also performed among ankle, metatarsophalangeal, and vertical stiffness. The basketball group displayed 13% higher ankle passive stiffness than the other sports players group (P=0.03). Metatarsophalangeal joint passive stiffness in sitting and standing positions was 23% higher in the basketball group than the runner and other sports athlete groups (P<0.01). However, there was no significant group differences in metatarsophalangeal joint passive stiffness and vertical stiffness. Significant correlations among all stiffness variables were determined (P<0.05). These findings indicate that ankle and metatarsophalangeal joint passive stiffness, rather than vertical leg stiffness, would be in relation to types of sports participation. Ankle and toe strengthening exercises could improve basketball players’ performance and prevent injury.

scholarly journals Leg Stiffness and Vertical Stiffness of Habitual Forefoot and Rearfoot Strikers during Running

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Lulu Yin ◽  
Xiaoyue Hu ◽  
Zhangqi Lai ◽  
Kun Liu ◽  
Lin Wang
Keyword(s):  
Injury Risk ◽  
Loading Rate ◽  
Reaction Force ◽  
Running Economy ◽  
Initial Contact ◽  
Vertical Ground Reaction Force ◽  
Vertical Stiffness ◽  
Impact Peak ◽  
Leg Stiffness ◽  
Foot Strike

Foot strike patterns influence the running efficiency and may be an injury risk. However, differences in the leg stiffness between runners with habitual forefoot (hFFS) and habitual rearfoot (hRFS) strike patterns remain unclear. This study aimed at determining the differences in the stiffness, associated loading rate, and kinematic performance between runners with hFFS and hRFS during running. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected amongst 39 runners with hFFS and 39 runners with hRFS running at speed of 3.3 m/s, leg stiffness (Kleg), and vertical stiffness (Kvert), and impact loads were calculated. Results found that runners with hFFS had greater Kleg ( P = 0.010 , Cohe n ’ s   d = 0.60 ), greater peak vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) ( P = 0.040 , Cohe n ’ s   d = 0.47 ), shorter contact time( t c ) ( P < 0.001 , Cohe n ’ s   d = 0.85 ), and smaller maximum leg compression ( Δ L ) ( P = 0.002 , Cohe n ’ s   d = 0.72 ) compared with their hRFS counterparts. Runners with hFFS had lower impact peak (IP) ( P < 0.001 , Cohe n ’ s   d = 1.65 ), vertical average loading rate (VALR) ( P < 0.001 , Cohe n ’ s   d = 1.20 ), and vertical instantaneous loading rate (VILR) ( P < 0.001 , Cohe n ’ s   d = 1.14 ) compared with runners with hRFS. Runners with hFFS landed with a plantar flexed ankle, whereas runners with hRFS landed with a dorsiflexed ankle ( P < 0.001 , Cohe n ’ s   d = 3.35 ). Runners with hFFS also exhibited more flexed hip ( P = 0.020 , Cohe n ’ s   d = 0.61 ) and knee ( P < 0.001 , Cohe n ’ s   d = 1.15 ) than runners with hRFS at initial contact. These results might indicate that runners with hFFS were associated with better running economy through the transmission of elastic energy.

Increase in Leg Stiffness Reduces Joint Work During Backpack Carriage Running at Slow Velocities

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 347-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernard Liew ◽  
Kevin Netto ◽  
Susan Morris
Keyword(s):  
Linear Models ◽  
Running Economy ◽  
Joint Work ◽  
Economy Running ◽  
Leg Stiffness ◽  
Kinematic Method ◽  
Running Pattern ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Healthy Participants

Optimal tuning of leg stiffness has been associated with better running economy. Running with a load is energetically expensive, which could have a significant impact on athletic performance where backpack carriage is involved. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of load magnitude and velocity on leg stiffness. We also explored the relationship between leg stiffness and running joint work. Thirty-one healthy participants ran overground at 3 velocities (3.0, 4.0, 5.0 m·s−1), whilst carrying 3 load magnitudes (0%, 10%, 20% weight). Leg stiffness was derived using the direct kinetic-kinematic method. Joint work data was previously reported in a separate study. Linear models were used to establish relationships between leg stiffness and load magnitude, velocity, and joint work. Our results found that leg stiffness did not increase with load magnitude. Increased leg stiffness was associated with reduced total joint work at 3.0 m·s−1, but not at faster velocities. The association between leg stiffness and joint work at slower velocities could be due to an optimal covariation between skeletal and muscular components of leg stiffness, and limb attack angle. When running at a relatively comfortable velocity, greater leg stiffness may reflect a more energy efficient running pattern.

Assessments of Mechanical Stiffness and Relationships to Performance Determinants in Middle-Distance Runners

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 1329-1334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon A. Rogers ◽  
Chris S. Whatman ◽  
Simon N. Pearson ◽  
Andrew E. Kilding
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Running Economy ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Maximal Velocity ◽  
Mechanical Stiffness ◽  
Mass Model ◽  
Vertical Stiffness ◽  
Performance Determinants ◽  
Physiological Tests

Purpose: To examine relationships between methods of lower-limb stiffness and their associations with running economy (RE) and maximal velocity (vmax) in middle-distance (MD) runners. Methods: Eleven highly trained male MD runners performed a series of mechanical and physiological tests to determine maximal overground sprint speed, RE, and . Achilles tendon stiffness (kT) was estimated using ultrasonography during maximal isometric ankle plantar flexion. Global stiffness qualities were evaluated using a spring-mass model, providing measures of leg (kleg) and vertical stiffness (kvert) during running and jumping, respectively. Results: Very large (r = −.70) and large (r = −.60) negative relationships existed between RE and kT and kvert, during plantar flexion and unilateral jumps, respectively. There were large (r = .63) and extremely large (r = −.92) associations between kvert and kT and kleg during sprinting, respectively. Runners’ vmax had large positive associations between kT (r = .52) and kleg (r = .59) during sprinting. Conclusions: In well-trained MD athletes, greater stiffness appears linked to faster and more economical running. Although kT had the strongest relationship with RE, kleg while sprinting and kvert in maximal unilateral jumps may be more practical measures of stiffness. Agreement between global stiffness assessments and kT highlights the energy contribution of the Achilles tendon to running efficiency and velocity. Further research incorporating these assessment tools could help establish more comprehensive mechanical and metabolic athlete profiles and further our understanding of training adaptations, especially stiffness modification, longitudinally.

Effects of Strength Training Associated With Whole-Body Vibration Training on Running Economy and Vertical Stiffness

2015 ◽  
Vol 29 (8) ◽  
pp. 2215-2220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamilton Roschel ◽  
Renato Barroso ◽  
Valmor Tricoli ◽  
Mauro A.B. Batista ◽  
Fernanda M. Acquesta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Strength Training ◽  
Whole Body Vibration ◽  
Running Economy ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Body Vibration ◽  
Vertical Stiffness ◽  
Vibration Training ◽  
Whole Body Vibration Training

scholarly journals Lower extremity stiffness in habitual forefoot strikers during running on different overground surfaces

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ziwei Zeng ◽  
Lulu Yin ◽  
Wenxing Zhou ◽  
Yu Zhang ◽  
Jiayi Jiang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Sagittal Plane ◽  
Joint Stiffness ◽  
Ground Reaction Forces ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Vertical Stiffness ◽  
Synthetic Rubber ◽  
Peak Knee ◽  
Reaction Forces ◽  
Artificial Grass

Purpose: Sports surface is one of the known external factors affecting running performance and injury. To date, we have found no study that examined the lower extremity stiffness in habitual forefoot strikers running on different overground surfaces. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate lower extremity stiffness and relevant kinematic adjustments in habitual forefoot strikers while running on different surfaces. Methods: Thirty-one male habitual forefoot strikers were recruited in this study. Runners were instructed to run at a speed of 3.3 m/s (±5%) on three surfaces, named synthetic rubber, concrete, and artificial grass. Results: No significant differences were found in leg stiffness, vertical stiffness, and joint stiffness in the sagittal plane during running on the three surfaces (p > 0.05). Running on artificial grass exerted a greater displacement in knee joint angle than running on synthetic rubber (p = 0.002, 95% CI = 1.52–7.35 degrees) and concrete (p = 0.006, 95% CI = 1.04–7.25 degrees). In the sagittal plane, peak knee moment was lower on concrete than on artificial grass (p = 0.003, 95% CI = 0.11–0.58 Nm/kg), whereas peak ankle moment was lower on synthetic rubber than on concrete (p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.03–0.07 Nm/kg) and on artificial grass (p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.02–0.06 Nm/kg). Among the three surfaces, the maximal ground reaction forces on concrete were the lowest (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study indicated that running surfaces cannot influence lower extremity stiffness in habitual forefoot strikers at current running speed. Kinematic adjustments of knee and ankle, as well as ground reaction forces, may contribute to maintaining similar lower extremity stiffness.

Similar Running Economy With Different Running Patterns Along the Aerial-Terrestrial Continuum

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 481-489 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thibault Lussiana ◽  
Cyrille Gindre ◽  
Kim Hébert-Losier ◽  
Yoshimasa Sagawa ◽  
Philippe Gimenez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Body ◽  
Running Economy ◽  
Energy Utilization ◽  
Leg Stiffness ◽  
Spatiotemporal Parameters ◽  
Foot Strike ◽  
Coupling Time ◽  
Running Pattern ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Gastrocnemius Lateralis

Purpose:No unique or ideal running pattern is the most economical for all runners. Classifying the global running patterns of individuals into 2 categories (aerial and terrestrial) using the Volodalen method could permit a better understanding of the relationship between running economy (RE) and biomechanics. The main purpose was to compare the RE of aerial and terrestrial runners.Methods:Two coaches classified 58 runners into aerial (n = 29) or terrestrial (n = 29) running patterns on the basis of visual observations. RE, muscle activity, kinematics, and spatiotemporal parameters of both groups were measured during a 5-min run at 12 km/h on a treadmill. Maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) and peak treadmill speed (PTS) were assessed during an incremental running test.Results:No differences were observed between aerial and terrestrial patterns for RE, V̇O2max, and PTS. However, at 12 km/h, aerial runners exhibited earlier gastrocnemius lateralis activation in preparation for contact, less dorsiflexion at ground contact, higher coactivation indexes, and greater leg stiffness during stance phase than terrestrial runners. Terrestrial runners had more pronounced semitendinosus activation at the start and end of the running cycle, shorter flight time, greater leg compression, and a more rear-foot strike.Conclusions:Different running patterns were associated with similar RE. Aerial runners appear to rely more on elastic energy utilization with a rapid eccentric-concentric coupling time, whereas terrestrial runners appear to propel the body more forward rather than upward to limit work against gravity. Excluding runners with a mixed running pattern from analyses did not affect study interpretation.

scholarly journals Effects of Novel Inverted Rocker Orthoses for First Metatarsophalangeal Joint on Gastrocnemius Muscle Electromyographic Activity during Running: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (11) ◽  
pp. 3205
Author(s):  
Rubén Sánchez-Gómez ◽  
Carlos Romero-Morales ◽  
Álvaro Gómez-Carrión ◽  
Blanca De-la-Cruz-Torres ◽  
Ignacio Zaragoza-García ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Metatarsophalangeal Joint ◽  
Running Economy ◽  
Triceps Surae ◽  
Wilcoxon Test ◽  
Test Reliability ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Electromyographic Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
First Metatarsophalangeal Joint

Background: The mobility of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (I MPTJ) has been related to the proper windlass mechanism and the triceps surae during the heel-off phase of running gait; the orthopedic treatment of the I MPTJ restriction has been made with typical Morton extension orthoses (TMEO). Nowadays it is unclear what effects TMEO or the novel inverted rocker orthoses (NIRO) have on the EMG activity of triceps surae during running. Objective: To compare the TMEO effects versus NIRO on EMG triceps surae on medialis and lateralis gastrocnemius activity during running. Study design: A cross-sectional pilot study. Methods: 21 healthy, recreational runners were enrolled in the present research (mean age 31.41 ± 4.33) to run on a treadmill at 9 km/h using aleatory NIRO of 6 mm, NIRO of 8 mm, TMEO of 6 mm, TMEO of 8 mm, and sports shoes only (SO), while the muscular EMG of medial and lateral gastrocnemius activity during 30 s was recorded. Statistical intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to test reliability was calculated and the Wilcoxon test of all five different situations were tested. Results: The reliability of values was almost perfect. Data showed that the gastrocnemius lateralis increased its EMG activity between SO vs. NIRO-8 mm (22.27 ± 2.51 vs. 25.96 ± 4.68 mV, p < 0.05) and SO vs. TMEO-6mm (22.27 ± 2.51 vs. 24.72 ± 5.08 mV, p < 0.05). Regarding gastrocnemius medialis, values showed an EMG notable increase in activity between SO vs. NIRO-6mm (22.93 ± 2.1 vs. 26.44 ± 3.63, p < 0.001), vs. NIRO-8mm (28.89 ± 3.6, p < 0.001), and vs. TMEO-6mm (25.12 ± 3.51, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Both TMEO and NIRO have shown an increased EMG of the lateralis and medialis gastrocnemius muscles activity during a full running cycle gait. Clinicians should take into account the present evidence when they want to treat I MTPJ restriction with orthoses, and consider the inherent triceps surae muscular cost relative to running economy.

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