Biomechanical Variations in Female Runner’s Pre and Post Treadmill Running

Abstract

The growing popularity of endurance sports activities is associated with a growing number of running injuries among recreational runners. The aim of this study was to assess the kinematic and kinetic variation on biomechanical parameters before and after 5km of treadmill running in female runners. Fourteen habitually shod female runners were assessed during treadmill running at their self-selected 5km running speed. A VICON motion analysis system and a Novel Pedar insole plantar pressure measurement system were used to record kinematic and plantar pressure data. Key findings from the study were that the internal and external rotation angle of the ankle, hip and knee while pre-5k running showed significant differences to those evaluated post-5k. The peak values of ground reaction forces (GRF) recorded pre-5k running were larger than the forces measured post-5k running. Combining the inversion and eversion of the ankle in the coronal plane during the pushing off phase, post-5k running showed a bigger eversion angle than pre-5k running. These subtle differences may reflect adaptation of motor control in female runners during long distance running of 5km.