Kinematic regulation of time and frequency domain components of accelerations measured at the tibia during heel-toe running

Abstract

PurposeThe transmission of tibial accelerations through the musculoskeletal system may contribute to the aetiology of injuries. Therefore, determining the mechanisms that regulate impact accelerations may have potential clinical significance. This study aimed to determine the influence of lower extremity kinematics on the regulation of both time and frequency domain characteristics of tibial accelerations during running.MethodsForty participants ran at 4.0 m • s<sup>–1</sup> ± 5%. Three-dimensional joint kinematics from the hip, knee and ankle were measured using an eight-camera motion analysis system operating at 250 Hz. Regression analyses treating time and frequency domain tibial acceleration parameters as criterion variables were used to identify lower extremity parameters associated with the passive regulation of impact accelerations.ResultsThe overall regression model yielded an adj. <i>R</i><sup>2</sup> = 0.13, <i>p</i> &#8804 0.01. Knee flexion velocity at footstrike was identified as a significant regulator of tibial accelerations in the time domain. No kinematic variables were identified as significantly related to the frequency domain properties of the signal.ConclusionsThe findings of the current investigation suggest that sagittal plane knee flexion velocity at footstrike can regulate the magnitude of impact loading linked to the development of chronic injuries.