The effect of posture on running economy, kinematics, and muscle activation

Graduation Date

2016

Document Type

Thesis

Program

Other

Program

Thesis (M.S.)--Humboldt State University, Kinesiology, 2016

Committee Chair Name

Justus Ortega

Committee Chair Affiliation

HSU Faculty or Staff

Keywords

Long distance running, Efficiency, Chi running, Muscle activation, efficiency, Humboldt State University -- Theses -- Kinesiology, Kinematics, muscle activation, kinematics, training strategies, posture, long distance running, Running economy, Posture, chi running, Training strategies, coaching, Coaching

Abstract

Running is a common form of exercise with a high incidence of injury. However, there is little evidence for how changes to running posture may influence running economy (energy consumed), kinematics (joint motion), and muscle activation. This study sought to investigate the effect of postural alterations (magnitude of forward lean and strategy) on running economy, kinematics, and muscle activity. Methods: 16 healthy young adult runners (23±4.89 years, 8M/ 8F) who participated in running for fitness or competition, with a 5k time 22 minutes, ran on a motorized treadmill at 8.0 mph (3.576 m/s) in five different running posture conditions. Metabolic energy consumption (metabolic power), kinematics, and muscle activation data were recorded for all trials. Results: Running with a large lean resulted in a decrease in running economy (p=0.001) and increased hip flexion (p=0.002) such that the body increases its reliance on the less efficient proximal hip muscles. Specifically, leaning forward increased gluteus maximus (p=0.017) and biceps femoris (p=0.033) activation during stance phase. In addition, gluteus maximus activation increased by 45% when accepting body weight in landing (p=0.005). Conclusion: These findings suggest that running with an upright posture or more moderate forward lean may be more energetically optimal.

https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/theses/m613n095c

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