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Knee joint forces during downhill walking with hiking poles
H Schwameder1, R Roithner, E Müller
1Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Salzburg, Austria. hermann.schwameder@sbg.ac.at
Journal of Sports Sciences
|January 6, 2000
Summary
Using hiking poles significantly reduces knee joint loads during downhill walking by 12-25%. This is due to pole forces and a forward-leaning posture, decreasing knee moments and forces.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Orthopedics
- Sports Science
Background:
- Downhill walking increases knee joint loading.
- Understanding these loads is crucial for injury prevention and rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify external and internal knee joint loads during downhill walking.
- To compare loads with and without the use of hiking poles.
Main Methods:
- Eight males performed 25-degree downhill walking.
- Kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic data were collected.
- Knee joint moments and forces were calculated using a quasi-static model.
Main Results:
- Hiking poles significantly reduced ground reaction force, knee joint moment, and tibiofemoral forces by 12-25%.
- Reductions in patellofemoral force and quadriceps tendon force were observed but not statistically significant due to variability.
- Posture changes (forward lean) and pole forces contributed to load reduction.
Conclusions:
- Hiking poles effectively reduce knee joint loading during downhill walking.
- The use of poles may help mitigate knee osteoarthritis progression and acute injuries.
- Further research should explore variability and long-term effects.