Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-2001
Abstract
Objective. To investigate intralimb coordination during running over a level surface and over obstacles of three different heights.
Design. The phasing relationships between the foot and leg motions in the frontal plane, and the shank and thigh motions in the sagittal plane were used to compare patterns of coordination.
Background. The coordinated actions of lower extremity segments are necessary to absorb the impact forces generated during running. The behavioral patterns of these segments can be studied under changing task demands using analysis techniques from the Dynamical Systems Theory.
Methods. Ten subjects ran at their self-selected pace under four conditions: over a level surface and over obstacles of different heights (5%, 10%, 15% of their standing height). A force platform was used to record impact forces during landing after obstacle clearance, while kinematics were collected using a two-camera system.
Results. The increases in obstacle height resulted in significant changes in impact forces (34% increase between the two extreme conditions) and more in-phase relationships between the segments during early stance. No changes were observed in the variability of the phasing relationships.
Conclusions. The coordination changes observed might be compensatory strategies aimed to reduce forces and potential injury. However, since the impact forces still increased significantly, it is also possible that the observed changes might be at-risk movement patterns predisposing runners to injury.
Relevance
Tools from the Dynamical Systems Theory, such as intralimb coordination, can be used as a way to evaluate running mechanics so that comparisons can be made to various patient populations in subsequent studies. This approach might be a viable alternative to examine questions in therapeutics.
Journal Title
Clinical Biomechanics
Volume
16
Issue
3
First Page
213
Last Page
221
Recommended Citation
Stergiou, Nikolaos; Jensen, Jody L.; Bates, Barry T.; Scholten, Shane D.; and Tzetzis, George, "A dynamical systems investigation of lower extremity coordination during running over obstacles" (2001). Journal Articles. 77.
https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/biomechanicsarticles/77
Comments
NOTICE: this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Clinical Biomechanics. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Clinical Biomechanics, Vol. 16, Issue 3 (March 2001), DOI: 10.1016/S0268-0033(00)00090-5.