scholarly journals BIOMECHANICS OF SHOD AND BAREFOOT RUNNING: A LITERATURE REVIEW

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 551-557
Author(s):  
Vitória da Silveira Jahn ◽  
Clara Knierim Correia ◽  
Elisa Dell’Antonio ◽  
Luis Mochizuki ◽  
Caroline Ruschel
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Reaction Force ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Vertical Ground Reaction Force ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Barefoot Running ◽  
Foot Strike ◽  
General Studies

ABSTRACT This study aims to analyze and summarize the biomechanical (kinematics, kinetics and neuromuscular) differences between shod and barefoot running, through a literature review. Searches were conducted for complete articles published between 2013 and November 2018 in the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and SPORTdiscus databases. The search terms used were Biomechanics, Kinetics, Kinematics, Electromyography, “Surface Electromyography”; and Unshod, Barefoot, Barefeet and Running. The search resulted in 687 articles; after excluding duplicates and selecting by title, abstract and full text, 40 articles were included in the review. The results show that there are important differences in the biomechanics of running when shod or barefoot. In general, studies indicate that in barefoot running: a) individuals present forefoot or midfoot foot strike patterns, while in shod running the typical pattern is the rearfoot strike; (b) greater cadence and shorter stride length are observed; and (c) there is greater knee flexion, lower peak vertical ground reaction force and greater activation of the medial gastrocnemius. In addition, barefoot runners contact the ground with greater plantar flexion, possibly as a strategy to reduce impact when stepping without footwear. These differences, as well as runners’ individual characteristics, should be considered in the prescription of the barefoot running, in order to minimize injuries resulting from the practice. Level of Evidence II; Review.

scholarly journals Running ground reaction forces across footwear conditions are predicted from the motion of two body mass components

2019 ◽  
Vol 126 (5) ◽  
pp. 1315-1325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew B. Udofa ◽  
Kenneth P. Clark ◽  
Laurence J. Ryan ◽  
Peter G. Weyand
Keyword(s):  
Ground Reaction Force ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Reaction Force ◽  
Ground Reaction Forces ◽  
Vertical Ground Reaction Force ◽  
Time Patterns ◽  
Foot Strike ◽  
Reaction Forces ◽  
Vertical Ground ◽  
Force Time

Although running shoes alter foot-ground reaction forces, particularly during impact, how they do so is incompletely understood. Here, we hypothesized that footwear effects on running ground reaction force-time patterns can be accurately predicted from the motion of two components of the body’s mass (mb): the contacting lower-limb (m1 = 0.08mb) and the remainder (m2 = 0.92mb). Simultaneous motion and vertical ground reaction force-time data were acquired at 1,000 Hz from eight uninstructed subjects running on a force-instrumented treadmill at 4.0 and 7.0 m/s under four footwear conditions: barefoot, minimal sole, thin sole, and thick sole. Vertical ground reaction force-time patterns were generated from the two-mass model using body mass and footfall-specific measures of contact time, aerial time, and lower-limb impact deceleration. Model force-time patterns generated using the empirical inputs acquired for each footfall matched the measured patterns closely across the four footwear conditions at both protocol speeds ( r2 = 0.96 ± 0.004; root mean squared error  = 0.17 ± 0.01 body-weight units; n = 275 total footfalls). Foot landing angles (θF) were inversely related to footwear thickness; more positive or plantar-flexed landing angles coincided with longer-impact durations and force-time patterns lacking distinct rising-edge force peaks. Our results support three conclusions: 1) running ground reaction force-time patterns across footwear conditions can be accurately predicted using our two-mass, two-impulse model, 2) impact forces, regardless of foot strike mechanics, can be accurately quantified from lower-limb motion and a fixed anatomical mass (0.08mb), and 3) runners maintain similar loading rates (ΔFvertical/Δtime) across footwear conditions by altering foot strike angle to regulate the duration of impact. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Here, we validate a two-mass, two-impulse model of running vertical ground reaction forces across four footwear thickness conditions (barefoot, minimal, thin, thick). Our model allows the impact portion of the impulse to be extracted from measured total ground reaction force-time patterns using motion data from the ankle. The gait adjustments observed across footwear conditions revealed that runners maintained similar loading rates across footwear conditions by altering foot strike angles to regulate the duration of impact.

scholarly journals Biomechanical asymmetries persist after ACL reconstruction: results of a 2-year study

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Sharafoddin-Shirazi ◽  
Amir Letafatkar ◽  
Jennifer Hogg ◽  
Vahid Saatchian
Keyword(s):  
Ground Reaction Force ◽  
Reaction Force ◽  
Force Plate ◽  
Asymmetry Index ◽  
Knee Adduction Moment ◽  
Vertical Ground Reaction Force ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Post Surgery ◽  
Peak Knee ◽  
Flexion Moment

Abstract Purpose This study was aimed to examine longitudinal (6, 12, 18, 24 months) asymmetries in double-leg landing kinetics and kinematics of subjects with and without unilateral ACLR. Methods Three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic parameters of 40 participants (n = 20 post-ACLR, n = 20 healthy) were collected with a motion analysis system and force plate during a drop-landing task, and asymmetry indices were compared between groups. Results The asymmetry index (AI) in the ACLR group compared to the healthy group decreased from six to 24 months for vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) from 100% to 6.5% and for anterior posterior ground reaction force (a-pGRF) from 155.5% to 7%. Also, the AI decreased for peak hip flexion moment from 74.5% to 17.1%, peak knee flexion moment from 79.0% to 5.8% and peak ankle dorsiflexion moment from 59.3% to 5.9%. As a further matter, the AI decreased for peak hip abduction moment from 67.8% to 5.1%, peak knee adduction moment from 55.7% to 14.8% and peak knee valgus angle from 48.7% to 23.5%. Conclusions Results obtained from this longitudinal study showed that ACLR patients still suffer from limb asymmetries during landing tasks, which appear to normalize by 24-monthspost-surgery. This finding can help us to better understand biomechanics of the limbs after ACLR, and design more efficient post-surgery rehabilitation programs. Level of evidence Level III.

Association of Ankle Dorsiflexion and Landing Forces in Jumping Athletes

2021 ◽  
pp. 194173812110634
Author(s):  
Adalberto Felipe Martinez ◽  
Rodrigo Scattone Silva ◽  
Bruna Lopes Ferreira Paschoal ◽  
Laura Ledo Antunes Souza ◽  
Fábio Viadanna Serrão
Keyword(s):  
Patellar Tendon ◽  
Loading Rate ◽  
Reaction Force ◽  
Ankle Dorsiflexion ◽  
Patellar Tendinopathy ◽  
Plantar Flexor ◽  
Vertical Ground Reaction Force ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Ankle Kinematics ◽  
Tendon Force

Background: Dorsiflexion range of motion restriction has been associated with patellar tendinopathy, but the mechanisms of how dorsiflexion restriction could contribute to knee overload remain unknown. Hypothesis: Peak ankle dorsiflexion and ankle dorsiflexion excursion are negatively associated with peak vertical ground-reaction force (vGRF) and loading rate, and with peak patellar tendon force and loading rate, and positively associated with peak ankle plantar flexor moment. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Methods: Kinematic and kinetic data of 26 healthy recreational jumping athletes were measured during a single-leg drop vertical jump. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated to establish the association between peak ankle dorsiflexion and ankle dorsiflexion excursion with peak vGRF and vGRF loading rate, with peak patellar tendon force and patellar tendon force loading rate, and with peak ankle plantar flexor moment. Results: Ankle dorsiflexion excursion negatively correlated with peak vGRF loading rate ( r = −0.49; P = 0.011) and positively correlated with peak ankle flexor plantar moment ( r = 0.52; P = 0.006). In addition, there was a positive correlation between peak ankle dorsiflexion and peak vGRF ( r = 0.39; P = 0.05). Conclusion: Ankle kinematics are associated with vGRF loading rate, ankle flexor plantar moment and peak vGRF influencing knee loads, but no association was observed between ankle kinematics and patellar tendon loads. Clinical Relevance: These results suggest that increasing ankle dorsiflexion excursion may be an important strategy to reduce lower limb loads during landings but should not be viewed as the main factor for reducing patellar tendon force.

scholarly journals Causes of motor system overload in step aerobics: Literature review

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 158-164
Author(s):  
Alicja Rutkowska-Kucharska
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Small Angle ◽  
Motor System ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Reaction Force ◽  
Stair Climbing ◽  
Knee Angle ◽  
Trunk Flexion ◽  
Vertical Ground Reaction Force ◽  
Vertical Ground

Summary Many publications have indicated the positive impact of step aerobics on health. Although step aerobics aims to improve endur­ance and other health parameters, injuries incurred from overload happen to both instructors and participants. Values of vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) while stepping on and off the bench do not lead to overload on the motor system - they are simi­lar to the values obtained for walking or stair climbing. One reason for injuries may be the step workout technique. Overloads may be caused by incorrect technique of foot positioning on the bench, small knee angle during stepping off, and small angle of trunk flexion. This study presents an overview of current research on the load of the motor system in step aerobics.

scholarly journals Lower Extremity Biomechanics During a Drop-Vertical Jump in Participants With or Without Chronic Ankle Instability

2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
pp. 364-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Collin Herb ◽  
Kaitlyn Grossman ◽  
Mark A. Feger ◽  
Luke Donovan ◽  
Jay Hertel
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Motion Capture ◽  
Sagittal Plane ◽  
Ankle Instability ◽  
Vertical Jump ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Reaction Force ◽  
Chronic Ankle Instability ◽  
Vertical Ground Reaction Force ◽  
Drop Vertical Jump

Context:  Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a condition characterized by range-of-motion, neuromuscular, and postural-control deficits and subjective disability, reinjury, and posttraumatic osteoarthritis. Differences have been reported in kinematics, kinetics, surface electromyography (EMG), and ground reaction forces during functional tasks performed by those with CAI. These measures are often collected independently, and the research on collecting measures simultaneously during a movement task is limited. Objective:  To assess the kinematics and kinetics of the lower extremity, vertical ground reaction force (vGRF), and EMG of 4 shank muscles during a drop–vertical-jump (DVJ) task. Design:  Controlled laboratory study. Setting:  Motion-capture laboratory. Patients or Other Participants:  Forty-seven young, active adults in either the CAI (n = 24) or control (n = 23) group. Intervention(s):  Three-dimensional motion capture was performed using an electromagnetic motion-capture system. Lower extremity kinematics, frontal- and sagittal-plane kinetics, vGRF, and EMG of the shank musculature were collected while participants performed 10 DVJs. Main Outcome Measure(s):  Means and 90% confidence intervals were calculated for all measures from 100 milliseconds before to 200 milliseconds after force-plate contact. Results:  Patients with CAI had greater inversion from 107 to 200 milliseconds postcontact (difference = 4.01° ± 2.55°), smaller plantar-flexion kinematics from 11 to 71 milliseconds postcontact (difference = 5.33° ± 2.02°), greater ankle sagittal-plane kinetics from 11 to 77 milliseconds postcontact (difference = 0.17 ± 0.09 Nm/kg) and from 107 to 200 milliseconds postcontact (difference = 0.23 ± 0.03 Nm/kg), and smaller knee sagittal-plane kinematics from 95 to 200 milliseconds postcontact (difference = 8.23° ± 0.97°) than control participants after landing. The patients with CAI had greater vGRF from 94 to 98 milliseconds postcontact (difference = 0.83 ± 0.03 N/kg) and peroneal activity from 17 to 128 milliseconds postcontact (difference = 10.56 ± 4.52 N/kg) than the control participants. Conclusions:  Patients with CAI presented with differences in their landing strategies that may be related to continued instability. Kinematic and kinetic changes after ground contact and greater vGRF may be related to a faulty landing strategy. The DVJ task should be considered for rehabilitation protocols in these individuals.

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.

Muscular Morphomechanical Characteristics After an Achilles Repair

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 568-577 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei-Chen Peng ◽  
Yuan-Hung Chao ◽  
Amy S. N. Fu ◽  
Shirley S. M. Fong ◽  
Christer Rolf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Tendon Repair ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Muscle Length ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Mechanical Stiffness ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Fascicle Angle

Background: The purpose of the study was to compare the morphomechanical and functional characteristics during maximal isometric, concentric, and eccentric contractions in the legs of patients that underwent unilateral Achilles tendon repair with those in their noninjured control legs. Methods: Twenty participants (median age = 38.2 years; range, 21.1-57.3 years) who underwent Achilles repair between 3 and 12 months ago were recruited with the following measures: (1) mechanical stiffness of the aponeurosis and (2) electromyography and medial gastrocnemius fascicle angle and length, standing muscle and tendon length, and height of heel rise with isometric contraction. Results: Compared to the noninjured legs, the repaired legs showed less resting fascicle length, standing muscle length, isometric plantarflexion torque, and heel raise distance ( Ps ranged between .044 and <.001). During the concentric and eccentric phases of the raising and lowering test, the repaired legs demonstrated less fascicle length ( P ≤ .028) but greater tendinous tissue length ( Ps ranged between .084 and <.001) and fascicle angle ( Ps ranged between .247 and .008) and fewer change magnitudes of the fascicle length and tendinous tissue length ( P ≤ .003). The change magnitudes of the morphological characteristics showed correlations with the torque or distance. Conclusion: Selecting the appropriate surgical repair and rehabilitation for Achilles tendon ruptures is recommended for restoring the length and mechanical strength of the muscle-tendon unit of plantar-flexion muscles. Level of Evidence: Level III, comparative study.

ANKLE JOINT MOMENTS IN DIFFERENT FOOT STRIKE METHODS DURING STAIR DESCENT

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (07) ◽  
pp. 1940031
Author(s):  
HYEONG MIN JEON ◽  
EUI BUM CHOI ◽  
JAE HOON HEO ◽  
GWANG MOON EOM
Keyword(s):  
Ankle Joint ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Reaction Force ◽  
Ground Reaction Forces ◽  
Joint Moments ◽  
Moment Arms ◽  
Stair Descent ◽  
Foot Strike ◽  
Reaction Forces ◽  
Weight Acceptance

The purpose of this study was to compare the ankle joint moments in different foot strike patterns during stair descent and to find a better strategy. Methods: Twenty young subjects participated in this study. Subjects performed two trials of descending stairs in rearfoot strike (RFS) and forefoot strike (FFS) strategies. Kinematic and kinetic data were measured by a motion capture system and force plates. Ankle joint moments, ground reaction forces, and moment arms in three planes of motion were calculated from the measured data. The root-mean-squared means of ankle joint moments, ground reaction forces, and moment arms were compared between different foot strike patterns for each phase of stair descent (weight acceptance, forward continuance, and controlled lowering). Results: In the weight acceptance phase, FFS showed greater ankle joint moments than RFS in all three (dorsi/plantar-flexion, inversion/eversion, and internal/external rotation) directions ([Formula: see text]). In the forward continuance phase, FFS showed greater dorsi/plantar moments than RFS ([Formula: see text]). In controlled lowering phase, FFS showed smaller dorsi/plantar moments than RFS ([Formula: see text]). Discussion: The greater ankle joint moments of FFS in the weight acceptance phase were influenced by both the greater GRF magnitudes and greater moment arms. The greater dorsi/plantar moments of FFS in the forward continuance phase and the smaller dorsi/plantar moment of FFS in the controlled lowering phase were dominated by the greater moment arm and the smaller ground reaction force, respectively. RFS strategy resulted in smaller ankle joint moments in the majority of stair descent phases (weight acceptance and forward continuance), therefore, RFS would be a better strategy than FFS for stair descent in terms of ankle joint load.

scholarly journals Kinematics Analysis of Ankle Inversion Ligamentous Sprain Injuries in Sports

2012 ◽  
Vol 40 (11) ◽  
pp. 2627-2632 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Tik-Pui Fong ◽  
Sophia Chui-Wai Ha ◽  
Kam-Ming Mok ◽  
Christie Wing-Long Chan ◽  
Kai-Ming Chan
Keyword(s):  
Internal Rotation ◽  
Ankle Joint ◽  
Sagittal Plane ◽  
Center Of Pressure ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Skeleton Model ◽  
Ankle Inversion ◽  
Foot Strike

Background: Ankle ligamentous sprain is common in sports. The most direct way to study the mechanism quantitatively is to study real injury cases; however, it is unethical and impractical to produce an injury in the laboratory. A recently developed, model-based image-matching motion analysis technique allows quantitative analysis of real injury incidents captured in televised events and gives important knowledge for the development of injury prevention protocols and equipment. To date, there have been only 4 reported cases, and there is a need to conduct more studies for a better understanding of the mechanism of ankle ligamentous sprain injury. Purpose: This study presents 5 cases in tennis and a comparison with 4 previous cases for a better understanding of the mechanism of ankle ligamentous sprain injury. Study Design: Case series; level of evidence, 4. Methods: Five sets of videos showing ankle sprain injuries in televised tennis competition with 2 camera views were collected. The videos were transformed, synchronized, and rendered to a 3-dimensional animation software. The dimensions of the tennis court in each case were obtained to build a virtual environment, and a skeleton model scaled to the injured athlete’s height was used for the skeleton matching. Foot strike was determined visually, and the profiles of the ankle joint kinematics were individually presented. Results: There was a pattern of sudden inversion and internal rotation at the ankle joint, with the peak values ranging from 48°-126° and 35°-99°, respectively. In the sagittal plane, the ankle joint fluctuated between plantar flexion and dorsiflexion within the first 0.50 seconds after foot strike. The peak inversion velocity ranged from 509 to 1488 deg/sec. Conclusion: Internal rotation at the ankle joint could be one of the causes of ankle inversion sprain injury, with a slightly inverted ankle joint orientation at landing as the inciting event. To prevent the foot from rolling over the edge to cause a sprain injury, tennis players who do lots of sideward cutting motions should try to land with a neutral ankle orientation and keep the center of pressure from shifting laterally.

scholarly journals Operative Outcome of Side-Locking Loop Suture Technique Accompanied by Autologous Semitendinosus Tendon Grafting for Chronic Rupture of Achilles Tendon

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 247301142110035
Author(s):  
Keisuke Tsukada ◽  
Youichi Yasui ◽  
Maya Kubo ◽  
Shinya Miki ◽  
Kentaro Matsui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Scale Score ◽  
Tendon Rupture ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Semitendinosus Tendon ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Operative Outcomes

Background: The purpose of this retrospective study was to clarify the operative outcomes of the side-locking loop suture (SLLS) technique accompanied by autologous semitendinosus tendon grafting for chronic Achilles tendon rupture. Methods: A chart review was conducted of consecutive patients treated with the SLLS technique at our department from 2012 to 2017. Postoperatively, a below-knee splint was applied for 2 weeks in 20 degrees of plantar flexion and then active range of motion exercise was started. Partial weightbearing exercise was allowed at 4 weeks according to patient tolerance, and full weightbearing without crutches was allowed at 8 weeks. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale score and the Achilles tendon rupture score (ATRS) were used to evaluate clinical outcomes preoperatively and at the final follow-up. Results: Ten patients (6 men, 4 women) were included in the analysis. Mean AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale score increased significantly from 64.2 ± 5.6 points preoperatively to 95.0 ± 5.3 points at the final follow-up ( P < .001). The mean ATRS also increased significantly from 29.8 ± 4.4 points to 86.2 ± 7.7 points, respectively ( P < .001). Mean time between surgery and ability to perform 20 continuous double-leg heel raises of the operated foot was 13.5 ± 3.4 (range 10-18) weeks. One patient complained of postoperative hypoesthesia in the foot, which had spontaneously resolved by 3 months after surgery. Conclusion: The SLLS technique accompanied by autologous semitendinosus tendon grafting provided successful operative outcomes for patients with chronic Achilles tendon rupture regardless of the size of the defect, and thus long-term orthotic use was not needed after surgery. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

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