Factors determining changes in lower limb energy during swing in treadmill running

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Human Movement Analysis
• Sports Science

Background:

• Understanding mechanical energy transfer is crucial for optimizing athletic performance.
• The recovery phase of sprinting involves complex energy dynamics within the lower limb.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine how mechanical energy is supplied to the lower limb during the recovery phase of treadmill sprinting.
• To analyze energy input through joint force and muscle moment power in limb segments.

Main Methods:

• Investigated energy transfer in lower limb segments during treadmill sprinting recovery.
• Quantified energy input using joint force power and muscle moment power analysis.
• Examined segmental energy changes and interlimb energy exchanges.

Main Results:

• Hip joint and concentric muscle power are key drivers of lower limb energy changes.
• Eccentric knee muscle power consistently decreases total limb energy.
• Energy is transmitted distally in early recovery and proximally in late recovery.
• Significant interlimb energy transfer occurs from the recovering limb to the contralateral limb.

Conclusions:

• The hip plays a central role in supplying mechanical energy during sprinting recovery.
• Multi-joint muscles contribute significantly to energy loss, highlighting potential areas for performance enhancement.
• Energy transfer dynamics are essential for understanding the complete mechanics of the sprinting recovery phase.