The Effects of Varying Levels of Core Stability on Running Biomechanics and Compensations in Novice Runners
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Date
2023-05
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The Ohio State University
Abstract
Running is one of the most popular sports in the world. Because it is a very inexpensive sport to participate in, people from many demographics can become runners. Many runners suffer injuries each year. One factor that may impact a runner's risk of acquiring one of these running related injuries is their core stability. Based on the role of the core musculature, it has been hypothesized that less core stability may lead to inefficient movement and an increased risk for injury. Previous work determined that decreased core stability caused an increase in peak knee flexion moment which can lead to someone being more likely to have patellofemoral pain syndrome. A limitation to this study is that it was only experimental. As a result, information about muscle forces and the loads on the lower extremity joints were unable to be determined. The purpose of this study is to determine how neuromuscular and kinematic compensation strategies adopted in running when the core is fatigued impact the risk of injury. This was done by using data from the previously mentioned study and determining muscle force and lower extremity load data from simulations in the software OpenSim. The results of these simulations were that a kinematic compensation strategy increased the peak patellofemoral joint force and the risk for patellofemoral pain syndrome. Adopting a neuromuscular compensation strategy decreased peak knee abduction moment and impulse along with shear and compressive forces in lumbar vertebrae which decrease risk for patellofemoral pain syndrome and low back pain, respectively. Runners who are looking to avoid injury should implement core strengthening exercises into their training to increase the time before their core muscles begin to fatigue. This research helps reiterate the importance of core strength and its role in facilitating injury-free exercise for runners.
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Keywords
Biomechanics, Running, Core Stability, OpenSim