Gait asymmetry and running-related injury in female collegiate cross-country runners. (January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wayner, Robert A.; Robinson, Rachel; Simon, Janet E.
• Is Part Of: Physical therapy in sport. Volume 59(2023)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 6
• Publication Date: 2023-01
• Subjects: Running -- Injury -- Biomechanics -- Kinematics -- Kinetics -- Asymmetry; Sports physical therapy -- Periodicals; Sports injuries -- Patients -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Athletic Injuries -- diagnosis -- Periodicals; Athletic Injuries -- therapy -- Periodicals; Physical Therapy -- Periodicals; Sports Medicine -- Periodicals; 615.82088796
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2022.11.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1466-853X

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Running biomechanics are commonly linked to injury. There is limited evidence on the effects of running speed on asymmetry and the prospective association of asymmetry and injury. The purposes of this study were to describe the degree in asymmetry in biomechanical variables commonly associated with injury, examine the effect of speed on asymmetry, and determine if there were any significant differences in pre-season measures of asymmetry between runners who went on to sustain an injury during the competitive season compared to those who remained healthy. Methods: Three-dimensional running biomechanics were obtained from twenty-two female collegiate cross-country runners at four different running speeds prior to their season. Asymmetry was quantified using the Symmetry Angle. Participants were followed over the twelve-week season and all time-loss injuries were identified. Findings: There was no significant effect of velocity on asymmetry. Additionally, there were no significant differences in symmetry between runners who sustained an injury (n = 7) and those that remained injury-free (n = 15) during the cross-country season. Interpretation: Clinicians working with runners should expect a high degree of symmetry in running biomechanics when performing gait analyses across running speeds. In regards to injury, caution should be used when linking injury to asymmetry. Highlights: Female collegiate runners present with symmetrical running kinematic and kinetics. Velocity had no effect on degree of kinematic and kinetic asymmetry. Magnitude of pre-season asymmetry was not associated with running-related injury.