Citation

Fontana HD, Haupenthal A, Ruschel C, Hubert M, Ridehalgh C, Roesler H. J. Orthop. Sports Phys. Ther. 2012; 42(5): 437-443.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Orthopaedic Section and Sports Physical Therapy Section of the American Physical Therapy Association)

DOI

10.2519/jospt.2012.3572

PMID

22402330

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the vertical and antero-posterior components of the ground reaction force during stationary running performed in water and on dry land, focusing on the effect of gender, level of immersion, and cadence. BACKGROUND: Stationary running, as a fundamental component of aquatic rehabilitation and training protocols, is little explored in the literature with regards to biomechanical variables, which makes it difficult to determine and control the mechanical load acting on the individuals. METHODS: Twenty-two subjects performed 1 minute of stationary running on land, immersed to the hip, and immersed to the chest at 3 different cadences: 90 steps/min, 110 steps/min, and 130 steps/min. Force data were acquired with a force plate and variables were: vertical peak (Fy), loading rate (LR), anterior peak (Fx anterior) and posterior peak (Fx posterior). Data were normalized to subjects' body weight (BW) and analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: Fy ranged from 0.98 to 2.11 BW; LR, from 5.38 to 11.52 BW/s; Fx anterior, from 0.07 to 0.14 BW; and Fx posterior, from 0.06 to 0.08 BW. The gender factor had no effect on the variables analyzed. A significant interaction between level of immersion and cadence was observed for Fy, Fx anterior, and Fx posterior. On dry land, Fy increased with increasing cadence, whereas, in water, this effect was seen only between 90 steps/min and the two higher cadences. The higher the level of immersion, the lower the magnitude of Fy. LR was reduced under both water conditions and increased with increasing cadence regardless of the level of immersion. CONCLUSION: Ground reaction forces during stationary running are similar between gender. Fy and LR are lower in water, though the values are increased at higher cadences. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, Epub 8 March 2012. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.3572.

Language: en