Researcher Information

Abstract

Faulty running biomechanics such as excessive hip internal rotation and knee valgus have been linked to overuse injuries in runners. Therapy interventions such as hip strengthening and mirrored gait retraining produce inconsistent results. The role of movement pattern training, predicated on Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS) performance has yet to be investigated. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of 6 weeks of functional pattern training on hip and knee kinematics in healthy, competitive runners with low FMS scores. 9 healthy adults [(males, n=6; age, 24.3±8.1 yrs; height, 1.78±0.09m; mass, 68.4±9.3kg)(females, n=3; age, 31±15.6 yrs; height, 1.70±0.06m; mass, 64.3±7.9kg)] who ran at least 20 mpw having FMS scores of lower than 14 underwent a 6-week training program aimed at correcting limited and asymmetrical movement patterns on the FMS (4 sessions per week). Corrective exercises were obtained via Functional Movement Systems™. FMS and 3D motion analyses of peak hip adduction (HADD) and internal rotation (HIR), and knee valgue (KVAL) kinematics were conducted pre- (PRE) and post-training (POST). Differencese were assessed using paired t-tests. Results showed FMS scores improved (PRE 12.8±1.1; POST 16.0±1.4, t(8)=-6.183, p<.001). Peak HIR (PRE 25.9±13.10; POST 15.3±6.40) and KVAL (PRE 18.7±6.20; POST 7.8±10.70) decreased, but not significantly, p>.05. Peak HADD stayed stable (+0.70), p>.05. In conclusion, 6 weeks of functional pattern training significantly improves FMS scores and reduces faulty running biomechanics such as excessive HIR and KVAL. Correcting low and asymmetrical functional movement patterns appears to positively change higher level movement patterns such as running.

Faculty Sponsors

Monique Mokha, Ph.D.

Project Type

Event

Location

Alvin Sherman Library

Start Date

4-10-2015 1:00 PM

End Date

4-10-2015 5:30 PM

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Apr 10th, 1:00 PM Apr 10th, 5:30 PM

Effects of Functional Pattern Training on Hip and Knee Kinematics in Healthy Runners

Alvin Sherman Library

Faulty running biomechanics such as excessive hip internal rotation and knee valgus have been linked to overuse injuries in runners. Therapy interventions such as hip strengthening and mirrored gait retraining produce inconsistent results. The role of movement pattern training, predicated on Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS) performance has yet to be investigated. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of 6 weeks of functional pattern training on hip and knee kinematics in healthy, competitive runners with low FMS scores. 9 healthy adults [(males, n=6; age, 24.3±8.1 yrs; height, 1.78±0.09m; mass, 68.4±9.3kg)(females, n=3; age, 31±15.6 yrs; height, 1.70±0.06m; mass, 64.3±7.9kg)] who ran at least 20 mpw having FMS scores of lower than 14 underwent a 6-week training program aimed at correcting limited and asymmetrical movement patterns on the FMS (4 sessions per week). Corrective exercises were obtained via Functional Movement Systems™. FMS and 3D motion analyses of peak hip adduction (HADD) and internal rotation (HIR), and knee valgue (KVAL) kinematics were conducted pre- (PRE) and post-training (POST). Differencese were assessed using paired t-tests. Results showed FMS scores improved (PRE 12.8±1.1; POST 16.0±1.4, t(8)=-6.183, p<.001). Peak HIR (PRE 25.9±13.10; POST 15.3±6.40) and KVAL (PRE 18.7±6.20; POST 7.8±10.70) decreased, but not significantly, p>.05. Peak HADD stayed stable (+0.70), p>.05. In conclusion, 6 weeks of functional pattern training significantly improves FMS scores and reduces faulty running biomechanics such as excessive HIR and KVAL. Correcting low and asymmetrical functional movement patterns appears to positively change higher level movement patterns such as running.