KINETICS OF LOWER EXTREMITY DURING OVERGROUND HILL RUNNING IN FOREFOOT STRIKE RUNNERS

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the lower extremity kinetics of forefoot strike (FFS) level ground running to those occurring during uphill and downhill running. Habitual FFS runners (n=5) completed overground trials during uphill and downhill conditions on a ramp set to 6? and 9? and during level running at a speed of 3 m/s ± 5%. Peak ground reaction forces (GRF), joint moment, and power absorption of lower limb were analyzed. GRF showed an absent impact transient in all conditions. Peak power absorptions did not change significantly during any of the hill running conditions compared to the level trial. Knee extension moment increased only during the 9? downhill condition. The findings suggest that running on hills with a FFS is characterized by an absent impact transient that is thought as a sign of less impact on the lower limb and may help to reduce injury risk.