Running mechanics during 1600 meter track runs in young adults with and without chronic ankle instability

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate biomechanical measures in runners with and without chronic ankle instability (CAI) using wearable sensors during two 1600 m track runs at a slow- and fast-pace. DesignObservational case-control. SettingField. Participants18 recreational runners (CAI: n = 9; Healthy: n = 9) with rearfoot strike patterns. Main outcome measuresPronation excursion, maximum pronation velocity, peak braking g, peak impact g, contact time, cycle time, and stride length of every step of two 1600 m runs were collected using RunScribe™ sensors and binned to each 400 m lap (Lap 1 to Lap 4). ResultsSignificant group-by-lap interactions were identified for contact time (p = .05) during the slow-intensity run. The CAI group had greater contact time (p = 0.05) that progressively increased with distance completed. CAI group also had higher impact g than the control group throughout the slow-intensity run (p = .03). During the fast-intensity run, significant group by lap interaction was observed for pronation excursion with the CAI group exhibiting less pronation excursion than the healthy group as the run progressed (p = .002). ConclusionsRegardless of speed, runners with CAI demonstrated altered gait mechanics compared to healthy controls. During the higher intensity run, decreased pronation excursion was observed in the CAI group and differences became more prominent as the distance increased.