The Gluteus Medius Activation in Female Indoor Track Runners is Asymmetrical and may be Related to Injury Risk
Journal Title: Sports and Exercise Medicine – Open Journal - Year 2015, Vol 1, Issue 1
Abstract
Track runners train and compete solely in the counter clockwise direction around the track. These repetitive motions place track runners at risk of “over-use” injury, but strength differences place females at greater risk than males. This study was conducted to evaluate the asymmetry of gluteus medius muscle activation patterns in female runners as they run around the curves of an unbanked 200 m track. Wireless surface electromyography (EMG) sensors were adhered to the skin overlaying the gluteus medius. Participants’ muscle activation was recorded as they ran two 200 m trials at a pace of 5±0.5 m/s and walked 200 m at a chosen pace. Each participant’s EMG for the running strides was normalized to the average amplitude of their walking trials. There were significant increases in muscle activation of the outside (right) gluteus medius when athletes ran on the curves compared to the straightaways (359.1 percent of walking ±132.8 and 324.7±102.6 respectively, p=0.015). There was a trend for decreases in muscle activation of the inside (left) gluteus medius when athletes ran on the curves compared to the straightaways (449.2 percent of walking ±136.1 and 469.4±132.6 and respectively, p=0.065). These data suggest that the gluteus medius abducted the outside (right) leg to contribute to the lateral forces necessary to run around the curve. The muscular demands for the two legs are different, and are consistent with observed injury patterns. This loading pattern and mechanism of injury may be useful for guiding training and rehabilitation strategies.
Authors and Affiliations
James P. Dickey
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP548588
- DOI 10.17140/SEMOJ-1-105
- Views 104
- Downloads 0
Early Loading after Closed Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy for Knee Arthritis
Operative treatment approaches for the arthritis in the medial tibiofemoral compartment combined with a varus deformation of the knee are closed wedge high tibial osteotomy or knee arthroplasty. In contrast to the knee a...
Myositis Ossificans in the Lumbar Spine: A Case Report
Objective: Relatively rare case. Background: Myositis ossificans is a benign condition which appears as a heterotopic, welldefined bone formation in muscles and soft tissues. It is most common in children and young athle...
Quality Health and Physical Education: Facilitating a Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body
In the past, the Greek ideal; “Mens sano incorpore sano”, stressed the importance of having a healthy mind within a healthy body. In the current high-tech sedentary society, this is increasingly an outcome to which we al...
A Review of Martial Arts and Bone Health Status in Young and Older Population
It is well-known that mechanical loading imposed on a bone is important for bone development. Therefore, one of the most effective osteoporosis prevention strategies is by adopting weight-bearing physical activity. Marti...
Predictive Validity of Critical Power, The Onset of Blood Lactate and Anaerobic Capacity for Cross-Country Mountain Bike Race Performance
Critical power is emerging as an important indicator of high intensity endurance exercise capability. Little is known regarding its ability to predict performance during high intensity intermittent events such as Olympic...