title: Intralimb joint coordination patterns of the lower extremity in maximal velocity phase sprint running.
abstract: This study aimed to develop insight into the lower extremity joint coupling motions used in the maximal velocity phase of sprint running. Two-dimensional coordinate data were used to derive sagittal plane joint angle profiles of sprint running trials. Intralimb joint coupling motions were examined using a continuous relative phase (CRP) analysis. The knee-ankle (KA) coupling was more out of phase compared with the hip-knee (HK) coupling across the step phase (mean CRP: KA 89.9 degrees; HK 34.2 degrees) and produced a lower within-athlete CRP variability (VCRP) in stance. Touchdown (TD) produced more out-of-phase motions and a larger VCRP than toe-off. A destabilization of the lower extremity coordination pattern was considered necessary at TD to allow for the swing-to-stance transition. The key role that the KA joint motion has in the movement patterns used by healthy athletes in the maximal velocity phase of sprint running was highlighted.
authors.affiliation: Cardiff School of Sport, University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, UK.
authors.forename: Marianne J R
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Gittoes
authors.forename: Cassie
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D007596:Joints / Q000502:physiology*; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult