LOWER LIMB TRI-JOINT SYNCHRONY DURING RUNNING: A LONGITUDINAL AGE-BASED STUDY

Cluster Phase analysis was used to examine age-related changes in synchrony between three joints of the lower limb during running stance. Ten male, endurance athletes (Age = 53.54±2.56 years [M50]) participated in the study at baseline (0 years) and then returned for re-testing after seven years (Age = 60.49±2.56 years [M57]). Lower limb coordinate and ground reaction forces were collected as participants performed running trials at a velocity of 3.83±0.40 m/s contacting the force plate with their preferred limb. Statistical parametric mapping identified that the hip, knee and ankle joint synchrony during the stance phase did not change. However tri-joint synchrony was significantly higher at M57 compared to M50 during the absorption sub-phase of stance. The increased joint synchrony as a function of age could be a mechanism associated with this key injury provoking phase

AN AGE-BASED KINETIC ANALYSIS THAT UNDERPINS JOINT COORDINATION IN RUNNING PERFORMANCE

The purpose of this study was to examine the age-based biomechanics that underpins lower body joint coordination during running gait. A longitudinal approach was adopted and experienced male distance runners (initially with a mean age = 53.34 years) were examined over a seven-year period. Three-dimensional joint coordinate and contact ground reaction force data were collected for running trials with a horizontal velocity = 3.83±0.40 m·s-1. ANOVA showed significant increases (p \u3c 0.03) in knee joint moments at amortisation and peak impact and braking forces. Statistical parametric mapping identified decreased hip moments at ~25-40 % of stance. With age there is an increase requirement to attenuate the passive impact forces which places the lower body musculature under further stress. The changes in hip moments, whilst the hip joint is extending, suggests a shift in power production to the knee and ankle which has been previously reported with faster running (Ferris et al., 2012)