AN AGE-BASED KINETIC ANALYSIS THAT UNDERPINS JOINT COORDINATION IN RUNNING PERFORMANCE

The purpose of this study was to examine the age-based biomechanics that underpins lower body joint coordination during running gait. A longitudinal approach was adopted and experienced male distance runners (initially with a mean age = 53.34 years) were examined over a seven-year period. Three-dimensional joint coordinate and contact ground reaction force data were collected for running trials with a horizontal velocity = 3.83±0.40 m·s-1. ANOVA showed significant increases (p \u3c 0.03) in knee joint moments at amortisation and peak impact and braking forces. Statistical parametric mapping identified decreased hip moments at ~25-40 % of stance. With age there is an increase requirement to attenuate the passive impact forces which places the lower body musculature under further stress. The changes in hip moments, whilst the hip joint is extending, suggests a shift in power production to the knee and ankle which has been previously reported with faster running (Ferris et al., 2012)