Effects of landing pattern modification on lower limb kinematics in healthy runners

Abstract

The exponential growth of the number of runners is observed all over the world. In the USA, more than 30 million people use running as daily physical activity. It is known that the joint most affected by injuries in this sport is the knee (42, 1%). Recently, it has been hypothesized that modification of the running technique has the potential to reduce the demand on the knee joint, and landing with the forefoot on the ground is one of these modifications. However, there are no studies that evaluated the effect of this running technique on the kinematics of the hip and knee in healthy runners. Thus, this study will aim to assess the immediate effect of landing pattern modification, landing with the forefoot, on the hip and knee kinematics during running. Fifteen healthy runners aged 18 to 45 years will be evaluated. The hip and knee kinematics will be evaluated using a motion analysis system (Qualysis Medical AB, Sweden). For data analysis, the paired test t-Student will be used to compare the kinematic variables of the hip and knee before and after modification of the running technique for parametric variables or Wilcoxon test for non-parametric variables. Will be assumed a significance level of 5%. It is expected that the data obtained in this study will help in the development of training programs, treatment, and prevention of lower limb injuries in this population of athletes and provide us further elucidation of the influence of landing technique on lower limb kinematics during running.(AU)