The effects of locomotor pattern diversity and ageing on the lower limb joint mechanics and loading during human walking and running
Year: 2015
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Many lower limb problems are increasingly seen as disorders where mechanical loading plays a central role in both the development and progression of the pathological condition. Although locomotor patterns during human walking and running demonstrate clear differences due to inter-individual variability and ageing, there is a substantial lack of research evaluating whether or not these factors expose certain musculoskeletal structures to higher than normal loading. Therefore, the aim of this thesis was to examine how locomotor pattern diversity and ageing affects lower limb joint mechanics and loading across different modes and intensities of locomotion. In line with previous studies, a clear inter-individual variability in both walking and running patterns were observed. Analysis of lower limb mechanics revealed that during walking, different gait strategies can considerably affect knee joint loading in that those individuals who demonstrated either knee extensor or flexor dominant gait patterns exhibited significantly higher medial knee joint loading compared with those who walked with a typical gait pattern. When running-induced joint loading profiles were compared between different running patterns, it was found that those who run with a forefoot striking pattern exhibit lower patellofemoral stress and medial knee joint loading than those who use a rearfoot striking pattern. However, parallel increases in ankle plantarflexor and Achilles tendon loading were observed among forefoot strikers. Finally, comparison of locomotor mechanics of different age-groups showed that the age-related propulsive deficit of the ankle joint becomes more severe as locomotion changes from walking to running to sprinting. As a result, old adults demonstrated higher muscular efforts of the more proximal lower limb muscles than their younger counterparts when walking and running at the same speed. During maximal sprinting, reduced muscular output of the hip and increased hip adduction but decreased trunk lateral flexion movements were also observed in older adults compared with their younger counterparts. Altogether, the findings of this work suggest that different walking and running patterns have considerable effects on the lower limb joint loading and thus may play a role in the development of stress-related joint injury. As a result, gait modification could be advisable for some individuals to manage their joint loading and consequent symptoms. In addition, the findings regarding age-related locomotor changes indicate that ankle propulsive deficit contributes most to the locomotor decline among older adults and therefore should be targeted when designing exercise interventions for this population.
Author: Juha‐Pekka Kulmala
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W418610387