Association between hip and knee muscle torque and running kinematics in runners and non-runners
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v83.118907Keywords:
Running, Biomechanics, kinematics, muscle torqueAbstract
Objective: to examine the associations between range of motion in the early stance of running and hip and knee muscle strength in runners and non-runners.
Methodology: Twenty-nine asymptomatic adults (17 runners and 12 non-runners) underwent two-dimensional kinematic analysis of treadmill running at a self-selected speed and isokinetic assessment of the hip and knee muscles. Trunk, pelvis, hip, knee, and ankle ranges of motion between initial foot contact and peak knee flexion during stance were analyzed in the sagittal and frontal planes. Muscle strength was expressed as peak torque normalized to body mass. Associations were examined using Pearson correlations, controlling for running speed.
Results: The results revealed group-specific associations. In the total sample, only the peak torque of the hip internal rotation was associated with ipsilateral trunk inclination. When the groups were analyzed separately, distinct patterns emerged: in non-runners, eccentric peak torque of the knee flexors was associated with ankle dorsiflexion; in runners, higher hip and knee peak torque values were associated with smaller trunk and knee ranges of motion in the sagittal plane.
Conclusions: These findings indicate that the relationship between muscle performance and running kinematics is specific and influenced by running experience.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Clara Knierim Correia, Rafael da Silva da Rosa, Jader Alfredo Beck, Cristiano Gomes Sanchotene, Jean Marlon Machado, Marcelo Peduzzi Castro, Heiliane de Brito Fontana, Caroline Ruschel
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