Research article summary (published 30 Dec 1999):

Shock accelerations and attenuation in downhill and level running.

Full Abstract

OBJECTIVE: A study was conducted to investigate the possible effects of fatigue on the heel strike-initiated shock accelerations and on attenuation of these shocks along the body during eccentric muscle contractions. DESIGN: Level and decline running on a treadmill were used to acquire the experimental data on the foot strike-initiated shock accelerations. BACKGROUND: Eccentric contractions of the lower limb muscles in combination with shock generation and propagation during downhill running and muscle fatigue may diminish their ability to dissipate and attenuate loading on the system. METHODS: Fourteen young healthy males ran on a treadmill at a speed exceeding their anaerobic threshold by 5% for 30 min, as follows: (a) level running and (b) downhill running with a decline angle of -4 degrees. The foot strike-induced shock accelerations were recorded every five minutes on the tibial tuberosity and sacrum. Fatigue was monitored by means of the respiratory parameters. RESULTS: The downhill running related with eccentric muscle contractions was associated with increased shock propagation from the tibial tuberosity to the sacrum levels, even though fatigue did not develop. CONCLUSIONS: Shock propagation from the tibial tuberosity to the sacrum is augmented due to the eccentric action of the muscles, without metabolic fatigue development. RELEVANCE: Eccentric muscle contraction in downhill running reduces the musculoskeletal ability to attenuate the heel strike-induced shock waves. Knowledge about the effect of fatigue on the shock propagation between the shank and the sacrum levels may help in understanding the mechanism of stress fractures and joint damage.

Author information

Author/s: Mizrahi, J (J); Verbitsky, O (O); Isakov, E (E);

Affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, People's Republic of China. rsjm(-atsign-)polyu.edu.hk

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Clinical biomechanics (Bristol, Avon) (Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon)), published in ENGLAND. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2000-Jan; vol 15 (issue 1) : pp 15-20

Dates: Created 2000/02/09; Completed 2000/02/09; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 10590340, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Acceleration Adult Anaerobic Threshold Biomechanics Heel - physiology Humans

Male Muscle Contraction - physiology Muscle Fatigue - physiology Muscle, Skeletal - physiology Respiratory Function Tests Running - physiology

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