Work

Stride Mechanics and Strength Analysis of Lower Limbs in Runners with Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome vs. Asymptomatic Runners

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Street running has seen rapid growth due to its health benefits and accessibility, leading to a simultaneous rise in running-related injuries, particularly among recreational and professional street runners. Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS) is a common injury affecting up to 15% of athletes and posing significant risks to runners of all levels of participation. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the strength and kinematic differences in the lower limbs of runners diagnosed with MTSS compared to asymptomatic runners. Methods: A total of 56 participants were divided into an MTSS group (27 runners) and a healthy control group (29 runners). Participants were evaluated for demographics, physical activity level, pain threshold using algometry, and running kinematics obtained through high-resolution 2D video analysis with Kinovea software. Lower-limb muscle strength was measured using an isometric Lafayette® digital dynamometer. Results: Although there were no significant differences in age or anthropometric measures, MTSS runners exhibited lower initial (∆% = 10.6%, p = 0.002) and intermediate (∆% = 8.7%, p = 0.026) running speeds. Pain assessment revealed significant lower pain thresholds in the MTSS group. Kinematic analysis identified greater foot-strike angles (left foot: ∆% = 31.9%, p = 0.004; right foot: ∆% = 25.9%, p = 0.0049) at initial speeds in MTSS runners, while other parameters like medial calcaneus rotation, push-off angles, and support time did not differ significantly. Additionally, MTSS runners demonstrated reduced strength in the quadriceps femoris (QF—Left QF: ∆% = −28.5%, p = 0.0049; Right QF: ∆% = −28.2%, p = 0.003). Conclusions: MTSS appears to affect female and male runners. MTSS may be attributed to a weaker quadriceps strength, higher heel contact angles during foot strike, or both, suggesting that interventions focusing on the improvement of these factors may be beneficial in preventing and treating MTSS.

Source: Biomechanics

DOI: 10.3390/biomechanics5040106

Authors: Estélio Henrique Martin Dantas, Ronald Bispo Barreto, Miguel Angel Narvaez Silva, Marcos Antonio Almeida-Santos, Guido Belli, Luca Russo

Institutions: Universidade Tiradentes, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Western Illinois University, Università degli Studi eCampus

Language: English

Topic: Lower Extremity Biomechanics and Pathologies

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,207