Presenter(s): Alex Denton − Human Physiology
Faculty Mentor(s): Michael Hahn
Poster 26
Research Area: Biomechanics
Stress fractures are the result of repetitive high impact loading on the skeletal system followed by insufficient recovery. Elite endurance athletes, such as competitive cross-country runners, are inherently at risk of developing stress fractures in the lower extremities. The purpose of this study was to identify the relationships between peak lower limb acceleration and ground reaction force (GRF) transient impact peak, as well as peak lower limb acceleration and GRF loading rate. It was hypothesized that both GRF transient impact peak and GRF loading rate would correlate with peak lower limb acceleration. Data was collected from 8 competitive endurance athletes using an instrumented split belt treadmill and three inertial measurements units (IMUs) placed on both shanks and superficial to the sacrum. Data were analyzed using a Matlab script to conclude peak lower limb acceleration is moderately associated with GRF transient impact peak, but peak lower limb acceleration is not associated with GRF loading rate. Further analysis of additional subjects is necessary to identify a quantitative abnormality in order to prevent stress fractures before they occur.