Influence of Step-Width Manipulation on Running Biomechanics

Summary

The present protocol outlines an experimental setup designed to investigate the influence of step width manipulation on running biomechanics using a motion capture system. The objective is to expand relevant datasets and examine the effects of varying step widths on the kinematic chain of the human lower limb.

Abstract

Step width is a critical factor influencing lower limb biomechanics during running, significantly affecting stability, performance, and injury risk. Understanding these effects is essential for optimizing running performance and minimizing injury risk. This study evaluated the effects of varying step widths on lower limb biomechanics at different running speeds. Thirteen healthy Chinese males (aged 20-24) participated in the study, running at speeds of 3.0 m/s and 3.7 m/s using six distinct step widths: the preferred step width and five variations (reductions of 13% and 6.5%, and increases of 6.5%, 13%, and 25%, based on leg length). Data were collected using a motion capture system and force plates and analyzed through repeated measures ANOVA and correlation tests. The results indicated that wider step widths significantly reduced peak knee abduction moments and hip adduction angles, whereas narrower step widths increased knee joint loading. These findings have important implications for clinicians and runners, suggesting that careful step width selection can help reduce injury risk and enhance running efficiency. This study contributes a new dataset that lays the foundation for future research into the relationship between step width and running biomechanics and serves as a reference for training and rehabilitation practices.

Introduction

Environmental factors, including spatial and temporal elements, directly influence human daily movement. Individuals may adopt different postures and movement patterns while running and walking in various environmental conditions. It is well-established that altering running techniques can impact body biomechanics, with step width being closely associated with stability and balance during human running^1,2. Step width is defined as the mediolateral distance between the midfoot and the initial ground contact of each foot, representing a variable in the frontal plane³....

Protocol

The study received approval from the Ethics Committee of the Research Institute at Ningbo University (Approval Number: ty2022001). All participants provided written informed consent after being briefed on the purpose, requirements, and procedures of the experiment. Details of the consumables, equipment, and software used are listed in the Table of Materials.

1. Experimental preparation

1. Equipment preparation
   1. Position eight infrared cameras in appropriate locations during equipment calibration and check for any reflections in the experimental area (e.g., reflective markers on participa....

Discussion

The impact of step width on human running is a multifaceted and significant issue. Step width refers to the lateral distance between the center of the heel and the ground upon initial contact of each foot³. Changing step width may affect stability, balance, biomechanics, and energy expenditure during running. Earlier research suggests that an increase in step width may reduce the hip adduction angle, knee abduction moment, and peak impulse. Conversely, narrowing the step width could potentially in.......

Materials

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
AMTI Force Plate	AMTI	OR6-7	Watertown, MA, USA
Colored Tape for Floor Marking	Generic	-	Used to mark different step widths on force plates, purchased online
Kistler Force Plate	Kistler	9260AA	Winterthur, Switzerland
MATLAB	MathWorks	Version R2021b	Data processing and modeling
Reflective Markers	Vicon Metrics Ltd.	-	Used for marking participant body points
Single-Beam Electronic Timing Gate	Brower Timing System	-	Draper, UT, USA, Used to record running speed
Standard Experimental Shoes	Designated Brand	-	Standardized shoes to minimize gait interference
Vicon Motion Capture System	Vicon Metrics Ltd.	Vicon T-Series	Oxford, UK, Used for motion capture
Vicon Nexus Software	Vicon Metrics Ltd.	Version 1.8.5A	Data collection and analysis