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Classifying Impact Loading Using Axial Peak Tibial Acceleration and Impact-Related Biomechanical Differences During
Eoin W Doyle1,2, Tim L A Doyle1,2, Jason Bonacci3
1Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports
|January 10, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a new method to classify runners by impact magnitude using axial peak tibial acceleration (PTA). High-impact runners exhibit distinct biomechanical differences, aiding in injury risk assessment.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Medicine
- Running Injury Prevention
Background:
- Assessing lower extremity impact acceleration is crucial for identifying runners at elevated injury risk.
- Current methods for classifying high-impact runners using axial peak tibial acceleration (PTA) often use limited data or fixed speeds, potentially affecting accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the distribution of axial PTA in runners at their preferred speeds.
- To establish a speed adjustment factor for impact magnitude.
- To compare biomechanics between runners categorized by impact magnitude.
Main Methods:
- 171 runners performed 3D motion capture on an instrumented treadmill at their preferred running speed.
- Axial PTA was measured at the distal tibia.
- Linear regression analyzed the relationship between PTA and running speed; runners were classified based on PTA relative to predicted values (±1 SD).
Main Results:
- Mean axial PTA was 7.8g, increasing by 1.7g per 1.0m/s increase in speed.
- No significant differences in PTA were found between sexes or lower limbs.
- High-impact runners demonstrated higher vertical loading rates and greater ankle dorsiflexion at initial contact compared to low-impact runners.
Conclusions:
- A novel method for classifying runners by impact magnitude using axial PTA is proposed.
- This classification can be valuable for screening, monitoring, and gait retraining in runners.
- Impact magnitude is linked to specific biomechanical characteristics, suggesting potential targets for intervention.
