The Effect of Surface Incline on Running Biomechanics

Research in running biomechanics has observed differences in muscle contributions of the stance leg to body mass acceleration while running at various speeds. However, a dynamic musculoskeletal model has not been used to examine how changes in surface incline impact these muscle contributions. This study takes 10 experienced runners and records motion, electromyography, and force data for both varying running speeds (intervals of 1 m/s, 1-5 m/s) and surface inclines (0°, 4°, 8°). Subjects ran on treadmill at prescribed speeds for 30 second intervals. These data were analyzed on the 3D dynamic model and muscle contributions were examined in OpenSim, musculoskeletal simulation software. It is expected that the quadriceps and hips flexors will provide additional muscle force contributions for running on increasing inclines, as opposed to flat-level running. Currently data from one subject has been gathered and partial motion analysis has been completed. Other relevant analyses, such as calculating muscle-induced accelerations and running the ANOVA method, have yet to be performed.