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Lower extremity coupling parameters during locomotion and landings
Mark D Tillman1, Chris J Hass, John W Chow
1Dept. of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, Univ. Of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-8205, USA.
Journal of Applied Biomechanics
|February 25, 2006
Summary
Lower extremity joint motion, including subtalar and knee rotation, changes with activity demands. Increased impact forces during landing require greater foot motion, potentially compensated by femoral rotation, impacting clinical treatments.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Movement Science
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Lower extremity joints coordinate to manage impact forces during ballistic activities.
- The relationship between subtalar motion and tibial/knee rotation is thought to vary with task demands.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in the three-dimensional (3-D) coupling of foot and knee motions across various activities.
- To compare motion coupling during walking, jogging, and jump landing.
Main Methods:
- Twenty healthy young women participated.
- High-speed cameras (250 Hz) captured 3-D foot and knee motion during walking, jogging, hopping, and jump landing.
- Coupling coefficients were analyzed and compared across activities.
Main Results:
- The ratio of eversion to tibial rotation increased with higher loading demands (landing vs. locomotion).
- Increased foot motion was not proportionally transferred to tibial rotation via the subtalar joint.
- The ratio of knee flexion to internal rotation increased significantly from walking to landing.
Conclusions:
- Femoral rotation may compensate for increased tibial rotation during high-impact activities.
- Asymmetrical joint rotations during demanding tasks suggest implications for clinical interventions targeting knee motion control through foot manipulation.