Quantitative relationship between tibial torsional loading and running speed

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine quantitatively the relationship between tibial torsional loading and running speed. Six male subjects were asked to run at different speeds (2.0, 3.5, and 5.0 m/s). Data were collected with two high-speed cameras and a force platform. Net axial moments acting at both ends of the tibia during stance phase were calculated using inverse dynamics. The tibial torsional moment was determined from the quasi-equilibrium balance of the net axial moments. The maximum value of the tibial torsional moment (y) was positively correlated with running speed (x) (y = 0.343+0.253 x ; r = 0.998, p < 0.05), although considerable inter-individual differences could be found. Multiple regression analysis implied that these inter-individual differences could depend substantially on the frontal motion of the shank.