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- Title
Kinematic characteristics of male runners with a history of recurrent calf muscle strain injury.
- Authors
Bramah, C.; Preece, S. J.; Gill, N.; Herrington, L.
- Abstract
Objective: To investigate whether running kinematics differ between male runners with a history of recurrent calf muscle strain injury (CMSI) and injury free controls. Methods: Three-dimensional running kinematics were compared between 14 male runners with a history of CMSI and 28 male controls. A 12-camera Qualysis Oqus system recorded 3D running kinematics as participants ran on a treadmill at 3.2m/s. Independent t-tests were used to compare differences in select kinematic patterns during the stance phase of running. Results: Several kinematic differences were observed between groups. The CMSI group demonstrated significantly longer stance times (p = 0.02), increased hip adduction (p = 0.03), contralateral pelvic drop (p = 0.04) and anterior pelvic tilt (p = 0.03) during mid stance. These differences highlight potential neuromuscular impairments of the calf muscle complex while also implicating altered hip neuromuscular control as a contributor to CMSI. Conclusion: Runners with a history of recurrent CMSI demonstrate differences in stance phase running kinematics when compared to injury free controls. These differences may represent impairments to the stretch shortening function of the calf complex during running and reduced neuromuscular control at the hip and pelvis. Clinical implications: The observed differences provide insight into potential kinematic mechanisms and consequences of recurrent CMSI. Based on the current results we suggest rehabilitation should focus on the restoration of stretch shorten function of the calf complex and improving neuromuscular control at the hip and pelvis.
- Subjects
BRITISH Columbia; CALF muscle injuries; CONFERENCES &; conventions; KINEMATICS; MEN'S health; RUNNING; PHYSIOLOGY
- Publication
International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 2019, Vol 14, Issue 6, pS7
- ISSN
2159-2896
- Publication type
Article