Metatarsophalangeal Joint Mechanics Differ Between Overground and Treadmill Running

44 pagesCommon uses of treadmills range from product developers and physical therapists monitoring gait mechanics in a controlled environment to runners incorporating treadmill running into their training routines. With the widespread usage of treadmills, differences between overground and treadmill running need to be quantified in order to improve the accuracy of translating biomechanical data between the two conditions and identifying any potential mechanisms of injury. Prior research has established kinetic and kinematic differences between treadmill and overground running in the hip, knee, and ankle joints. However, no studies have assessed how metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) mechanics differ between the two conditions. Differences in MTPJ moment, stiffness, and range of motion (ROM) between treadmill and overground running were compared. Additionally, this study examined contact time and duration of stance phase with the heel off the ground. 15 participants (4 female) were recruited from local running clubs and 12 were analyzed for this study. Significant results were found when running at 4.00 m/s in MTPJ mechanics as well as percent heel-off. MTPJ moment, MTPJ stiffness, and percent heel-off were significantly higher (p<0.05) during treadmill compared to overground running. Metatarsophalangeal joint ROM showed a significant decrease in treadmill running (p<.05). No significant differences were found in contact time (p=.970). Implications of these differences need to be considered when conducting biomechanical testing and assessing potential injury mechanisms on treadmills