Four weeks of training with simple postural instructions changes trunk posture and foot strike pattern in recreational runners

Hui-Ting Shih; Hsiang-Ling Teng; Casey Gray; Matthew Poggemiller; Ian Tracy; Szu-Ping Lee

doi:10.1016/j.ptsp.2018.11.005

Four weeks of training with simple postural instructions changes trunk posture and foot strike pattern in recreational runners

Phys Ther Sport. 2019 Jan:35:89-96. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2018.11.005. Epub 2018 Nov 10.

Authors

Hui-Ting Shih¹, Hsiang-Ling Teng², Casey Gray³, Matthew Poggemiller⁴, Ian Tracy⁵, Szu-Ping Lee⁶

Affiliations

¹ Department of Physical Therapy, University of Nevada, Las Vegas. 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Box 453029, Las Vegas, NV, 89154, USA.
² Department of Physical Therapy, California State University, Long Beach. 1250 Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach, CA, 90840, USA.
³ Department of Physical Therapy, University of Nevada, Las Vegas. 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Box 453029, Las Vegas, NV, 89154, USA; Custom Physical Therapy, 1610 Robb Drive Suite D5, Reno, NV, 89523, USA.
⁴ Department of Physical Therapy, University of Nevada, Las Vegas. 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Box 453029, Las Vegas, NV, 89154, USA; Advanced Physical Therapy, 1275 Sadler Way Suite 201, Fairbanks, AK, 99701, USA.
⁵ Department of Physical Therapy, University of Nevada, Las Vegas. 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Box 453029, Las Vegas, NV, 89154, USA; Rebound Physical Therapy, 1175 E Parkcenter Boulevard, Boise, ID, 83706, USA.
⁶ Department of Physical Therapy, University of Nevada, Las Vegas. 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Box 453029, Las Vegas, NV, 89154, USA. Electronic address: szu-ping.lee@unlv.edu.

PMID: 30497004
DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2018.11.005

Abstract

Objectives: Previous studies showed that adopting forward trunk lean and forefoot strike patterns may reduce risk of running-related knee injuries. However, the process of learning such forms is unclear. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of a 4-week training using simple postural instructions to elicit these changes.

Design: Longitudinal intervention study.

Setting: A training included postural instructions: 1) lean your trunk forward, and 2) land on the front part of your feet.

Participants: Eighteen recreational runners.

Main outcome measures: Participants were assessed prior to training (PRE), immediately after the instructions (iPST), during training at 2 weeks (2WK) and 4 weeks (4WK), and 7-10 days after the conclusion of training (RET). Assessment consisted of running trials performed at self-selected and controlled speeds, during which the trunk and foot strike angles were assessed.

Results: Comparing to PRE, forward trunk angle significantly increased by approximately 3.5° and foot strike angle by approximately 7° at 2WK, 4WK and RET.

Conclusions: A 4-week training with simple postural instructions induced significant changes in trunk and foot strike patterns in recreational runners. Future study is needed to develop clinical therapeutic protocols for runners with and at risk of running-related knee injuries.

Keywords: Injury; Motor learning; Running; biomechanics.

MeSH terms

Adult
Biomechanical Phenomena
Female
Foot*
Gait*
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Physical Conditioning, Human*
Posture*
Running / physiology*
Torso*
Young Adult