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Muscle contributions to propulsion and support during running
Samuel R Hamner1, Ajay Seth, Scott L Delp
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-5450, USA. samner@stanford.edu
Journal of Biomechanics
|August 10, 2010
Summary
Running propulsion and support primarily involve the quadriceps during early stance and the soleus and gastrocnemius (plantarflexors) during late stance. Arm motion mainly counterbalances momentum, not contributing significantly to forward or upward acceleration.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Movement Science
- Computational Biology
Background:
- Muscles generate forces for propulsion and support during running.
- Understanding specific muscle contributions to running dynamics is crucial for performance and injury prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the propulsive and supportive roles of individual muscles during the running gait cycle.
- To determine the contribution of lower extremity and torso muscles to the acceleration of the body's mass center.
Main Methods:
- Developed a 3D muscle-actuated simulation of the running gait cycle.
- Incorporated 92 musculotendon actuators from the lower extremities and torso.
- Included dynamics of arm motion and analyzed muscle contributions to mass center acceleration.
Main Results:
- Quadriceps were key contributors to braking and support in early stance.
- Soleus and gastrocnemius muscles were major contributors to propulsion and support in late stance.
- Arms had minimal impact on propulsion/support but counterbalanced lower extremity angular momentum.
Conclusions:
- Quadriceps and plantarflexors are the primary drivers of body mass center acceleration during running.
- Muscle contributions to propulsion and support vary significantly throughout the stance phase.
- Arm swing primarily serves a role in stabilizing running dynamics rather than direct propulsion.
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