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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
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Comparative Analysis of Lower Limb Kinematics between the Initial and Terminal Phase of 5km Treadmill Running
Published on: July 17, 2020
Lower extremity joint stiffness in runners with low back pain
Joseph Hamill1, Michael Moses, Joseph Seay
1Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA. jhamill@kin.umass.edu
Research in Sports Medicine (Print)
|December 8, 2009
Summary
Runners with current low back pain (LBP) show increased knee joint stiffness. This may reduce impact attenuation, potentially increasing load on the low back during running.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Medicine
- Musculoskeletal Health
Background:
- Low back pain (LBP) is common in runners.
- The relationship between LBP and lower extremity joint mechanics is not fully understood.
- Understanding joint stiffness may offer insights into LBP etiology in runners.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in lower extremity joint stiffness between runners with and without low back pain.
- To compare ankle, knee, and hip joint stiffness in runners with current LBP, resolved pain, and no history of pain.
- To explore potential biomechanical factors contributing to LBP in runners.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study design.
- Comparison of three groups: current low back pain (LBP), resolved pain (RES), and control (CTRL) runners.
- Kinematic and kinetic data collection during running on a force treadmill at a consistent speed (3.8 m/s).
- Calculation of joint stiffness from joint moment-angle profiles.
Main Results:
- Significant differences were found in knee joint stiffness.
- Runners with current LBP exhibited the highest knee joint stiffness compared to RES and CTRL groups.
- No significant differences in ankle or hip joint stiffness were observed between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Runners with current low back pain demonstrate altered knee joint mechanics, specifically increased stiffness.
- This increased knee stiffness may impair the attenuation of impact forces during running.
- Impaired shock attenuation could lead to increased loading on the low back, potentially exacerbating or contributing to LBP.
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