Abstract
Introduction:
Running related injuries (RRI) are common, but factors contributing to running performance and RRIs are not commonly compared between different types of runners.
Methods:
We compared running biomechanics previously linked to RRIs and performance between 27 recreational and 35 collegiate runners. Participants completed 5 overground running trials with their dominant limb striking a force plate, while outfitted with standardised footwear and 3-dimensional motion capture markers.
Results:
Post hoc comparisons revealed recreational runners had a larger vertical loading rate (194.5 vs. 111.5 BW/s, p = 0.002). Adjusted for speed, collegiate runners demonstrated greater total support moment (TSM), plantar flexor moment, knee extensor moment, hip extensor moment, and had greater proportional plantar flexor moment contribution and less knee extensor moment contribution to the TSM compared with recreational runners. Unadjusted for speed, collegiate runners compared with recreational had greater TSM and plantar flexor moment but similar joint contributions to the TSM.
Description
This study compares biomechanics linked to running injuries and performance in recreational and collegiate runners.