title: Side-sloped surfaces substantially affect lower limb running kinematics.
abstract: Running on side-sloped surfaces is a common obstacle in the environment; however, how and to what extent the lower extremity kinematics adapt is not well known. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of side-sloped surfaces on three-dimensional kinematics of hip, knee, and ankle during stance phase of running. Ten healthy adult males ran barefoot along an inclinable runway in level (0°) and side-sloped (10° up-slope and down-slope inclinations, respectively) configurations. Right hip, knee, and ankle angles along with their time of occurrence were analysed using repeated measures MANOVA. Up-slope hip was more adducted (p = 0.015) and internally rotated (p = 0.030). Knee had greater external rotations during side-sloped running at heel-strike (p = 0.005), while at toe-off, it rotated externally and internally during up-slope and down-slope running, respectively (p = 0.001). Down-slope ankle had greatest plantar flexion (p = 0.001). Up-slope ankle had greatest eversion compared with down-slope (p = 0.043), while it was more externally rotated (p = 0.030). These motion patterns are necessary to adjust the lower extremity length during side-sloped running. Timing differences in the kinematic events of hip adduction and external rotation, and ankle eversion were observed (p = 0.006). Knowledge on these alterations is a valuable tool in adopting strategies to enhance performance while preventing injury.
authors.affiliation: a Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences , Hakim Sabzevari University , Sabzevar , Iran.
authors.forename: Mohsen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Damavandi
authors.affiliation: b Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences , University of Mazandaran , Babolsar , Iran.
authors.forename: Mansour
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Eslami
authors.affiliation: c Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education , McGill University , Montreal , Canada.
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Pearsall
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D012399:Rotation; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Gait; lower extremity; running biomechanics; running surfaces