Biomechanical factors in common running injuries
Given the high prevalence of achilles tendinopathy (AT) and medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), the current study strove to clarify the ongoing debate regarding the influence of rear foot eversion in a running population.
The authors concluded time spent in eversion through the stance phase rather than eversion velocity or excursion was most influential and a possible predictor for those at risk for developing the condition.
Research regarding the pathomechanics of running has been in debate over the influence variables such as alignment, range of movement and biomechanics have in the prevalence of lower extremity injury. It has been theorized excess eversion produces a non-rigid platorm from which to push-off resulting in excess tissue strain.
The present study retrospectively examined 42 symptomatic runners examining the above variables using 3-D gait analysis to determine the biomechanical differences that exist among healthy and injured athletes.
The authors discovered there was no differences found between groups concerning eversion velocity and excursion however, prolonged duration of eversion was found among injured runners of both groups. Further variables found among groups included reduced static dorsiflexion range, higher standing tibia varus angle, and a more everted rear foot at heel-off.
The above findings lend support to the argument of the maladaptive effects of prolonged pronation in the development of AT and MTSS. The authors support an increased focus on pathomechanics of these injuries in the push-off phase over the previously regarded loading phase of stance.
> From: Becker et al., Am J Sports Med 45 (2017) 2614-2621. All rights reserved to The Author(s). Click here for the online summary.
