Three-dimensional angular kinematics of the lumbar spine and pelvis during running.
The objective of this study were to: (i) describe the typical three-dimensional (3D) angular kinematics of the lumbar spine and pelvis during running and; (ii) assess whether the movements of the lumbar spine and pelvis during running are coordinated. A cohort of 20 non-injured male runners who usually ran >20 km/week were voluntarily recruited. All trials were conducted on a treadmill at a running speed of 4.0 m/second. Reflective markers were placed over anatomical landmarks of the thoraco-lumbar spine and pelvis. Data were captured using a VICON motion analysis system. The lumbar spine and pelvis both displayed complex 3D angular kinematic patterns during running. High correlations were found for the comparisons of flexion-extension of the lumbar spine with anterior-posterior tilt of the pelvis (r=-0.84) and lateral bend of the lumbar spine with obliquity of the pelvis (r=-0.75). However, a poor correlation was found for the comparison of axial rotation of the lumbar spine with axial rotation of the pelvis (r=0.37). A phase difference of 21% of the running cycle was evident between axial rotation of the lumbar spine and pelvis. The identified coordinated kinematic patterns of the lumbar spine and pelvis during running serve as a basis for future investigations exploring the relationship between atypical kinematic patterns and injury.
Schache
Anthony G
AG
Centre for Sports Medicine Research and Education, School of Physiotherapy, The University of Melbourne, 3010 Victoria, Australia. a.schache@pgrad.unimelb.edu.au
Blanch
Peter
P
Rath
David
D
Wrigley
Tim
T
Bennell
Kim
K
D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D010388:Pelvis / Q000502:physiology*; D012420:Running