Discriminant Efficacy of Video-Based Gait Analysis in Running-Related Injuries
摘要
Running is a popular physical activity but previous work on kinematics and running-related injury (RRI) risks did not adequately consider sex- and limb-specific factors. This study examined the efficacy of video-based gait analysis in discriminating running kinematics associated with different types of RRIs in recreational runners.
MethodsTreadmill running videos of 155 injured runners were extracted from a hospital database and compared with 44 non-injured recreational runners. Ten kinematic variables were obtained from the videos recorded from different views, including 6 lower limb angles at midstance and 4 foot-specific variables. Sex- and limb-specific kinematics were statistically compared between the injured limbs and matching controls using 2 × 2 ANOVA or independent t-tests, where applicable.
ResultsPatellofemoral pain was the most common RRI (72 cases), with significant injury by sex interactions in knee abduction angle at mid-stance (p < 0.05 both legs). The injured knee was less abducted than the left control knee in males, but was more abducted than both control knees in females. Male runners with medial tibial stress syndrome injuries (26 cases) displayed significantly less knee abduction at mid-stance and less foot inversion angle at initial contact compared with controls (p < 0.05 both legs). At mid-stance, they also exhibited more left hip adduction (p = 0.004), more left foot eversion (p = 0.004) and greater right ankle dorsi-flexion (p = 0.035).
ConclusionVideo-based running kinematics can discriminate between injured and non-injured runners. Kinematic risk factors associated with different types of RRIs are sex- and limb-specific.