Orthopaedic Basic Science Journal Scan

The Influence of Different Force and Pressure Measuring Transducers on Lower Extremity Kinematics Measured During Running.

J Appl Biomech. 2013 Jul 22;

Authors: Sinclair J, Hobbs SJ, Taylor PJ, Currigan G, Greenhalgh A

Abstract
In running analyses where both kinetic and kinematic information is recorded, participants are required to make foot contact with a force and/or pressure measuring transducer. Problems arise if participants modify their gait patterns to ensure contact with the device. There is currently a paucity of research investigating the influence of different underfoot kinetic measuring devices on 3-D kinematics of running. Fifteen participants ran at 4.0 m·s-1 in four different conditions; over a floor embedded force plate, Footscan, Matscan and with no device. 3-D angular kinematic parameters were collected using an eight camera motion analysis system. Hip, knee and ankle joint kinematics were contrasted using repeated measures ANOVA's. Participants also rated their subjective comfort in striking each of the three force measuring devices. Significant differences from the uninhibited condition were observed using the Footscan and Matscan in all three planes of rotation, whilst participants subjectively rated the force plate significantly more comfortable than either the Footscan/Matscan devices. The findings of the current investigation therefore suggest that the disguised floor embedded force plate offers the most natural running condition. It is recommended that analyses using devices such as the Footscan/Matscan mats overlying the laboratory surface during running should be interpreted with caution.