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Updated: May 21, 2025
Influence of Step-Width Manipulation on Running Biomechanics
Published on: February 28, 2025
Influence of Step-Width Manipulation on Running Biomechanics
Liu Xu1, Yuan Wang1, Hanhui Jiang1
1Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University.
Wider running step widths reduce knee and hip stress, enhancing stability and potentially lowering injury risk. Narrower steps increase knee joint loading, highlighting the importance of optimizing step width for performance and safety.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Science
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Step width is a key variable in running biomechanics.
- It influences lower limb loading, stability, performance, and injury risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of varied step widths on lower limb biomechanics during running.
- To analyze these effects at different running speeds.
Main Methods:
- Thirteen healthy males ran at 3.0 m/s and 3.7 m/s with six step widths (preferred and five variations).
- Motion capture and force plates were used for data collection.
- Repeated measures ANOVA and correlation tests were applied for analysis.
Main Results:
- Wider step widths significantly decreased peak knee abduction moments and hip adduction angles.
- Narrower step widths led to increased knee joint loading.
- Step width variations showed significant biomechanical differences.
Conclusions:
- Optimizing step width can mitigate injury risk and improve running efficiency.
- Findings provide a basis for training, rehabilitation, and future research on running biomechanics.
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