Effects Of Running Biomechanics On The Occurrence Of Iliotibial Band Syndrome- A Prospective Study

Abstract

Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is the second most common running injury, accounts for 1.6%-12% of all running-related injuries. The exact etiology of ITBS is unclear, but gait and posture are considered one of the factors. Most of studies on ITBS were retrospective cross-sectional in design and could not elaborate on the pathogenesis of ITBS. PURPOSE: This prospective study aimed to determine the gait characteristics that easily induce ITBS and explore the posture changes after the occurrence of ITBS. METHODS: 15 ITBS-stricken runners (I group) and matched 15 healthy runners (C group). All participants underwent two gait trials, namely, before the first day of running (trial1) and after 8-week running (trial2). An eight-camera motion capture system was used to collect kinematic data. Sub-group comparisons were assessed via respective 95% confidence intervals of mean difference. RESULTS: In trial2, the ITBS group exhibited greater peak anterior pelvic tilt and hip flexion angle than the control group(Fig1a). The ITBS group showed increased peak trunk inclination angle , whereas the control group demonstrated lower peak hip flexion (Fig1b)and peak hip adduction than those at trial1(Fig1c).Fig 1: Comparison of joint activity between the two groups■■ Represent significant differences between the two groups in trial 2. ▲▲ Significant differences in the control group compared with trial 1. Abbreviation: t1: trial1; t2: trial2 ; LTD=left foot touch down; LTO=left foot take off; RTD=right foot touch down; RTO= right foot take off; CONCLUSION: Decreasing the peak hip flexion and peak hip adduction angle may be a reasonable strategy to avoid the occurrence of ITBS. Occurrence of ITBS may be due to the lack of timely gait adjustment. The posture of excessive trunk inclination and anterior pelvic tilt may be a risk factor in the development of ITBS during running. This work was supported by the Project of Shandong Science & Technology Department (2017G006044).