EFFECTS OF BANKED-CURVES ON ANKLE AND KNEE KINEMATICS DURING RUNNING

The biomechanics of running on level surfaces have been extensively researched, but the knowledge is limited related to the biomechanical adaptations resulting from running on irregular terrain and their potential association with injury. The rate of running injuries has been shown to be greater in indoor versus outdoor track running (Lanese et al. 1990, Lysholm et al. 1987, Beukeboom et al. 2002). The purpose of this study is to estimate the effects of an indoor-banked curve on the knee and ankle kinematics adaptations of running in young healthy individuals

Effects of banked-curves on ankle and knee kinematics during running

Given that a greater injury incidence has been shown for indoor versus outdoor running tracks, attention to mechanical differences in curve running is warranted. Hence, the main objective of this study was to compare knee and ankle kinematics of runners while running on an indoor track with a flat curve and a banked-curve in young elite runners. Six elite runners participated in the study. Knee and ankle kinematics were measured while the subjects ran on a flat curve and a 19% banked-curve. No significant differences were observed in left and right knee and ankle peak angular displacements between the two different curves. Angular displacements measured have demonstrated similar profiles to those presented in previous studies. However, significant differences were found in body lean angle between speeds but not between curve inclinations. In conclusion, the results suggest that curve inclination does not perturb lower limb kinematics for elite runners