Article

First, we sought to better understand the predisposition of novice female runners
to injury by identifying potential differences in running mechanics and strength
between experienced female runners and active novice runners. Secondly, we aimed
to assess the relationship between hip and trunk strength with non-sagittal hip
kinematics during running. Two female populations were recruited: 19 healthy
experienced runners and 19 healthy active novice runners. Strength measurements
of the hip abductors and external rotators were measured using a hand held
dynamometer while trunk endurance was assessed via a side-plank. Next, an
instrumented gait analysis was performed while each participant ran at 3.3m/s.
Group comparisons were made using an independent t-test to identify differences
in the impact peak, loading rate, peak non-sagittal hip joint angles, trunk
endurance, and hip strength. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated
between hip kinematics and strength measurements. There were no statistically
significant differences in impact peak, loading rate, peak non-sagittal hip
kinematics, or strength. However, the novice runners did show a clinically
meaningful trend toward increased peak hip internal rotation by 3.8 degrees
(effect size 0.520). A decrease in trunk side-plank endurance was associated with
an increased peak hip internal rotation angle (r=-0.357, p=0.03), whereas
isometric strength was not related to kinematics. Programs aiming to prevent
injuries in novice runners should target trunk performance and possibly hip
neuromuscular control, rather than hip strength.
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Langue : ANGLAIS