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Shin muscle activity and sports surfaces. An electromyographic study
D H Richie1, H A DeVries, C K Endo
1Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center.
Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association
|April 1, 1993
Summary
Running on hard surfaces may increase shin muscle damage and pain. This study investigated how different floor types affect medial shin muscles during running, focusing on impact and propulsive phases.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Medial tibial shin pain is often linked to structural damage at muscle-fascial attachments.
- Excessive eccentric muscle activity during running is associated with muscle damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the effect of three different floor surfaces on medial shin musculature during stationary running.
- To verify the assumption that hard, noncompliant surfaces increase the risk of shin muscle damage and pain in athletes.
Main Methods:
- Electromyography (EMG) and accelerometer data were used to analyze muscle activity during running.
- The study differentiated between the impact (eccentric) and propulsive (concentric) phases of the running step.
- Twelve human subjects participated in the study on three distinct floor surfaces.
Main Results:
- Analysis focused on the eccentric phase of muscle activity, which is linked to muscle damage.
- The study aimed to quantify muscle response across different surfaces to identify potential risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Running on hard, noncompliant surfaces may predispose athletes to shin muscle damage and pain.
- Understanding the impact phase is crucial for preventing medial tibial stress injuries in runners and dancers.