Abstract
This project was directed at investigating the possible relationship between dorso-lumbar spinal mobility and potential injury risk arising as a result of induced changes in the running pattern, as determined by measurements of selected variables used to describe running gait. Spinal motion restriction was simulated by using mouldable casting techniques to fix the selected regions of the lumbar spine. It's effectiveness was assessed independently by clinical, quantitative means. Selected kinetic, kinematic and temporal variables were measured using hardwire methods for EMG and foot fall data, video photometry for centre of mass kinematics and foot fall data, oxygen consumption for energy data, and force platform for foot contact forces. The experiments measured changes in the variables before and after spinal restriction during treadmill running and indoor running on force walkways. The data showed that spinal restriction shortened stride length, increased the amount of EMG activity of the erector spinae and rectus femoris muscles, altered Fy and Fz ground reaction forces, decreased the vertical movement of the centre of mass, and caused an increase in energy utilization during running. Such results could contribute to earlier fatigue and overuse injuries during running. The outcome of this analysis has contributed to our understanding of the importance of spinal mobility on the potential risk of injury in runners.