Effect of body-weight-support running on lower-limb biomechanics

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. BACKGROUND: Body-weight-support (BWS) running is increasing in popularity, despite limited evidence of its effects on running mechanics. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of increasing BWS on lower-limb biomechanics during lower-body positive-pressure (LBPP) treadmill running. METHODS: Fourteen male recreational runners completed 15 randomized trials on an LBPP treadmill at 5 levels of BWS and 3 velocities (1-minute trials with 3-minute recovery). Knee and ankle kinematic data were recorded continuously via electrogoniometry. Synchronous in-shoe plantar-pressure data identified stride onset and quantified foot-segment forces. Data were recorded during the final 30 seconds of each trial and averaged over 10 consecutive stride cycles. RESULTS: Higher levels of BWS resulted in significantly (P