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Publication
Feed-forward activity of the transversus abdominis and multifidus in forefoot versus heelstrike running
Journal Contribution - Journal Article
For several reasons a considerable percentage of runners run at low and moderated speeds in a forefoot strike running pattern although the human heel seems to be anatomically "designed" for heel landing in walking and low speed running.
This ex post facto research examined bilateral activity of the transversus abdominis and multifidus in order to find indications concerning core stability in a rear foot versus a forefoot strike running pattern.
In 12 female recreational runners (6 forefoot and rear foot strikers each) with equal weight, height, age and running experience bilateral surface EMG data from the transversus abdominis muscle and multifidus were collected during treadmill running at a predefined running speed time. In addition, IEMG values were quantified between muscle onset and initial contact (feed forward). The left to right proportions of these values were estimated and analysed.
Current literature indicates that it is advisable to adapt a rear foot strike running pattern at low and moderate speeds. This study found more symmetrical activation of the transversus abdominis muscle in the rear foot strike group which might indicate a better core stability for the investigated speeds.
This ex post facto research examined bilateral activity of the transversus abdominis and multifidus in order to find indications concerning core stability in a rear foot versus a forefoot strike running pattern.
In 12 female recreational runners (6 forefoot and rear foot strikers each) with equal weight, height, age and running experience bilateral surface EMG data from the transversus abdominis muscle and multifidus were collected during treadmill running at a predefined running speed time. In addition, IEMG values were quantified between muscle onset and initial contact (feed forward). The left to right proportions of these values were estimated and analysed.
Current literature indicates that it is advisable to adapt a rear foot strike running pattern at low and moderate speeds. This study found more symmetrical activation of the transversus abdominis muscle in the rear foot strike group which might indicate a better core stability for the investigated speeds.
Journal: Manuelle Therapie
ISSN: 1433-2671
Volume: 13
Pages: 156-166
Publication year:2009
Keywords:running, transversus abdominis, multifides