Lower extremity joint kinetics associated with individual differences in step length and step frequency during running

Abstract

The running speed is determined by the product of the step frequency and step length. There exists inter-individual differences in step length and step frequency at a given running speed and one of the contributing factors is the differences of lower extremity joint mechanics. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the inter-individual differences in step length and step frequency, and the lower extremity joint kinetics which produce the body motion. The results showed that the runner who changed step length remarkable changed the ankle joint positive work, although the runner who changed step frequency remarkable changed the hip joint negative work. The findings provide insight into the contribution of the lower extremity joint kinetics to the individual differences in the strategy of step length and step frequency.