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Updated: Aug 24, 2025

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Published on: July 17, 2020
Differences in Muscle Demand and Joint Contact Forces Between Running and Skipping
Sarah A Roelker1, Paul DeVita2, John D Willson3
1Department of Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA,USA.
Skipping reduces knee and patella joint loading compared to running, making it a good alternative for some athletes. However, skipping increases ankle joint forces, which may not be suitable for individuals with ankle injuries.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
Background:
- Skipping is a proposed running cross-training method due to lower knee forces and higher energy expenditure.
- Understanding individual muscle forces, energy expenditure, and joint loading differences between running and skipping is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare individual muscle forces, energy expenditure, and lower extremity joint contact forces between running and skipping.
- To evaluate the biomechanical implications of substituting running with skipping for athletes and individuals undergoing rehabilitation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized musculoskeletal modeling and simulations.
- Analyzed data from five young adults performing running and skipping at 2.5 m/s on an instrumented treadmill.
Main Results:
- Running exhibited greater knee and patella contact forces and higher knee extensor energetic demand compared to skipping.
- Skipping demonstrated greater ankle contact forces and increased energetic demand from ankle plantarflexors.
- No significant differences in hip contact forces were observed between running and skipping.
Conclusions:
- Skipping is a viable alternative to running for reducing patellofemoral joint loading, beneficial for patellofemoral pain syndrome.
- Increased ankle loads during skipping may pose a risk for individuals with existing ankle injuries.
- Findings can inform clinical decisions regarding exercise prescription for training and rehabilitation goals.
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