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Leaning the Trunk Forward Decreases Patellofemoral Joint Loading During Uneven Running
Soran AminiAghdam1, Gaspar Epro, Darren James
1Sport and Exercise Science Research Center, School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, London, United Kingdom.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|September 19, 2021
Summary
Leaning the trunk forward reduces patellofemoral joint (PFJ) loading during running on uneven surfaces. This forward trunk posture, not step height, is key to mitigating PFJ stress and redistributing load effectively.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Medicine
- Human Movement Science
Background:
- Running involves complex joint kinetics and kinematics.
- Patellofemoral joint (PFJ) loading is influenced by running surface and posture.
- Limited data exists on the combined effects of surface height and trunk posture on PFJ stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between running step height and trunk posture on PFJ kinetics.
- To analyze secondary kinematic and kinetic outcomes at the knee, hip, and ankle.
- To determine the primary drivers of PFJ loading during perturbed running conditions.
Main Methods:
- 12 runners ran at 3.5 m/s on level and 10-cm drop steps.
- Trunk posture was manipulated to self-selected, backward, and forward angles.
- Two-way repeated measures ANOVA analyzed PFJ kinetics, knee/hip/ankle kinematics and kinetics.
Main Results:
- Trunk posture significantly affected PFJ kinetics; backward leaning increased, forward leaning decreased PFJ loading.
- Step height did not alter PFJ kinetics across postures.
- Drop steps increased hip and ankle extension moments, indicating higher demands on these joints.
Conclusions:
- Running posture, specifically forward trunk lean, is more influential than step height in modulating PFJ loading.
- Forward trunk-leaning effectively reduces PFJ stress by redistributing load proximally.
- This strategy offers potential benefits for runners experiencing increased PFJ stress on uneven terrain.
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