Changes in coordination and its variability with an increase in running cadence.

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Medicine
• Running Injury Prevention

Background:

• Alterations in joint mechanics are linked to overuse injuries in runners.
• Increasing running cadence has shown potential for injury reduction, but underlying movement changes are unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how runners modify segment coordination and coordination variability with a 10% increase in running cadence.
• To understand the kinematic changes associated with altered running cadence.

Main Methods:

• Ten healthy runners performed overground running at preferred and 10% increased cadences.
• Segment coordination and coordination variability were analyzed for thigh-shank and shank-foot segments.
• Knee mechanics were assessed using paired t-tests to compare conditions.

Main Results:

• Increased cadence led to decreased peak knee flexion and delayed peak knee/shank rotation.
• Segment coordination changed, particularly during mid-to-late stance.
• Coordination variability decreased across all segment pairs and gait phases.

Conclusions:

• Acute increases in running cadence alter segment coordination and reduce coordination variability.
• These changes in movement patterns may offer insights into injury risk and prevention strategies.
• Further research into coordination variability could inform injury intervention effectiveness.