Case report on lateral asymmetries in two junior elite long-distance runners during a high-altitude training camp

Autor: Olaf Ueberschär, Frank Warschun, Nico Walter, Matthias W. Hoppe, Daniel Fleckenstein
Rok vydání: 2019
Předmět:
Zdroj: Sports Orthopaedics and Traumatology. 35:399-406
ISSN: 0949-328X
DOI: 10.1016/j.orthtr.2019.06.002
Popis: Summary Background Pronounced lateral differences in musculoskeletal loading are widely considered a risk factor for the onset of various overuse injuries in the lower limbs in long-distance running. In a recent study, we described an innovative, easy-to-employ measurement setup based on commercially available inertial measurement units (IMUs) to assess tibial, sacral and scapular accelerations as well as possible asymmetries therein and to evaluate shock attenuation during running. We formerly employed the system under laboratory conditions as part of regular performance diagnostics for junior elite long-distance runners. Material and methods In this case report, we use that system to evaluate tibial and scapular loading of two athletes from the same cohort under field conditions during a high-altitude training camp. The athletes were chosen by their coach because of visually suspected pronounced asymmetries. We monitored the biomechanical loading of two athletes in four different high-altitude training sessions, ranging from low-intensity, flat gravel running to high-intensity interval training on an inclined asphalt road. Results Pronounced intra-individual differences in peak tibial and scapular accelerations were found for the two athletes, depending mainly on the slope of the running course and the running speed. In both cases, highest peak tibial accelerations were observed for downhill running (19 ± 2, g ≈ 9.81 m s −1 ). Visually suspected lateral asymmetries in tibial and scapular loading were objectively confirmed, reaching maximum values of 39% and 53%, respectively, depending on the particular session. While for Athlete 1, highest tibial asymmetries were observed for running on a flat track (39%), asymmetries for Athlete 2 were highest for running downhill (13%). Comparing the IMU data to laboratory-based isokinetic strength testing, it is suggested that lateral asymmetries in acceleration load in running may be linked to asymmetries in muscular knee extension strength. Conclusions IMUs are a practical, reliable and easy-to-employ tool for evaluating musculoskeletal loading in running, especially under demanding training conditions in the field. In summary, the results of this case report suggest that the individual extent of asymmetries in tibial and scapular loading during running may be linked to exercise characteristics, intensity and probably also to an imbalance in isolated knee-extension capabilities. Level of Evidence: V.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
Externí odkaz: