Single-step and cumulative knee loading during high cadence running.

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Medicine
• Running Science

Background:

• Higher running cadence decreases knee loading per step but increases loading cycles.
• The persistence of reduced knee load from higher cadence throughout a run is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of high cadence running on single-step and cumulative knee loading in distance runners.
• To determine if reduced knee load from higher cadence is maintained over a 30-minute run.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-one distance runners completed 30-minute runs at habitual and high (+10%) cadence on an instrumented treadmill.
• A musculoskeletal model estimated patellofemoral and tibiofemoral joint loading and muscle forces.
• Repeated measures ANOVA and paired t-tests analyzed the effects of cadence and time on knee loading.

Main Results:

• High cadence running resulted in lower peak patellofemoral joint force (PFJF) and tibiofemoral joint force (TFJF) compared to habitual cadence.
• Peak PFJF increased over time, while TFJF did not significantly change.
• Lower cumulative loading was observed in the PFJ and TFJ with high cadence running.
• Peak quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscle forces were altered with high cadence running.

Conclusions:

• Higher running cadence effectively reduces both single-step and cumulative knee loading in distance runners.
• These reductions are maintained throughout a 30-minute run, suggesting a potential benefit for load management.
• Altered muscle force profiles may contribute to the observed knee load reductions during high cadence running.