Posture-induced modulation of lower-limb joint powers in perturbed running
Soran AminiAghdam1,2, Christian Rode2,3
1Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom.
Plos One
|May 14, 2024
Summary
Altering trunk posture during running significantly redistributes lower-limb joint power. Leaning forward increases positive power generation, while backward leaning affects negative power absorption, especially during drop-steps.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Locomotion
Background:
- Trunk flexion's influence on running mechanics is established, but its effect on lower-limb joint energetics during perturbed running is less understood.
- Understanding how trunk posture affects energy transfer in the lower limbs is crucial for optimizing running performance and injury prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how different trunk inclinations (backward, self-selected, low forward, high forward) alter lower-limb joint power redistribution during perturbed running.
- To quantify the contribution of individual lower-limb joints (hip, knee, ankle) to total positive and negative mechanical power during level and drop-step running conditions.
Main Methods:
- Twelve runners performed running trials on a custom runway with a drop-step, at various trunk inclinations (0° to 25°).
- Three-dimensional kinematics and kinetics were recorded, and inverse dynamics analysis was used to calculate joint moments and powers.
- Analysis focused on average positive and negative mechanical powers at the hip, knee, and ankle joints.
Main Results:
- Increasing forward trunk inclination elevated total positive lower-limb power and reduced total negative power, with a shift towards proximal joints.
- The hip joint showed increased positive power generation with forward trunk lean, while the knee joint demonstrated reduced positive and negative power contributions.
- Accommodating drop-steps consistently required increased total limb positive and negative powers, with the ankle acting as a primary site for energy absorption and generation.
Conclusions:
- Trunk posture significantly modulates lower-limb joint power distribution during perturbed running, influencing energy absorption and generation.
- Forward trunk lean promotes a proximal shift in positive power generation, whereas backward lean impacts negative power absorption.
- The ankle joint plays a critical role in managing mechanical power during drop-step running, irrespective of trunk posture.
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