Kinematic characteristics of male runners with a history of recurrent calf muscle strain injury

Bramah, CA ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3644-9873, Preece, SJ ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2434-732X, Gill, NM ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9488-8896 and Herrington, LC ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4732-1955 2021, 'Kinematic characteristics of male runners with a history of recurrent calf muscle strain injury' , International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 16 (3) , pp. 732-740.

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Abstract

Background: Calf muscle strain injuries are a common running injury affecting male runners and are known to have high reoccurrence rates. Currently, limited evidence exists investigating factors associated with this injury with no previous study investigating the running kinematics of male runners with a history of repeat calf muscle strain injuries. Purpose: To investigate differences in running kinematics between runners with a history of recurrent calf muscle strain injury and injury free controls. Study Design: Case-control investigation Level of Evidence: 4 Methods: Stance phase kinematics were compared between 15 male runners with a history of calf muscle strain injury and 15 male control participants during treadmill running at 3.2m/s. Independent t-tests were used to compare differences in stance phase kinematic parameters between groups and effect sizes were calculated using Cohen’s d. Results: The group with a history of calf muscle strain injury demonstrated a significant 2.1⁰ and 3.1⁰ increase in contralateral pelvic drop and anterior pelvic tilt during mid stance. In addition, this group exhibited longer stance times and a more anterior tilted pelvis, flexed hip and a greater distance between the heel and centre of mass at initial contact. Large effect sizes, greater than 0.8, were observed for all differences. No significant differences were observed for ankle and knee joint kinematics between the groups. Conclusion: This is the first study to identify kinematic characteristics associated with recurrent calf muscle strain injury. While it is not possible to determine causality, the observed kinematic differences may contribute to recurrent nature of this injury. Specifically, it is possible that neuromuscular deficits of the hip and calf muscle complex may lead to increased strain on the calf complex. Rehabilitation interventions which focus on addressing pelvis and hip kinematics may reduce the demands placed upon the calf complex and could prove clinically effective.

Item Type:	Article
Schools:	Schools > School of Health and Society > Centre for Health Sciences Research
Journal or Publication Title:	International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy
Publisher:	NASMI
ISSN:	2159-2896
Related URLs:	Publication
Depositing User:	CA Bramah
Date Deposited:	08 Feb 2021 10:23
Last Modified:	16 Feb 2022 06:42
URI:	https://usir.salford.ac.uk/id/eprint/59544

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