Duty factor reflects lower limb kinematics of running

Abstract

The aim was to identify the differences in lower limb kinematics used by high (DFhigh) and low (DFlow) duty factor (DF) runners, particularly their sagittal plane (hip, knee, and ankle) joint angles and pelvis and foot segment angles during stance. Fifty‐nine runners were divided in two DF groups based on their mean DF measured across a range of speeds. Temporal characteristics and whole‐body three‐dimensional kinematics of the running step were recorded from treadmill runs at 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 km/h. Across speeds, DFhigh runners, which limit vertical displacement of the COM and promote forward propulsion, exhibited more lower limb flexion than DFlow during the ground contact time and were rearfoot strikers. On the contrary, DFlow runners used a more extended lower limb than DFhigh due to a stiffer leg and were midfoot and forefoot strikers. Therefore, two different lower limb kinematic mechanisms are involved in running and the one of an individual is reflected by the DF.