Investigating the Hip and Trunk Kinematic and Strength Differences Between Those with a History of Exertional Medial Tibial Pain and Healthy Controls

Abstract

Introduction: Exertional medial tibial pain (EMTP) has been shown to be one of the leading injuries in females who have weakened hip strength. Increased trunk and hip kinematic excursion and decreased hip external rotation and hip abductor strength are related to injury in the athletic population but there is a lack of research in the role of hip strength in the development of exertional medial tibial pain in competitive female runners. Purpose: Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate differences in hip strength, hip kinematics, and trunk kinematics between those with a previous history of exertional medial tibial pain and healthy controls. Design: Cross sectional, case control design Participants: Twenty-one female competitive recreational runners ages 18-45 who are planning on participating in a race within the next 6 months were placed into two groups depending on their past medial history (11- healthy control and 10-EMTP group). Methods: 3D kinematic data were collected with reflective markers attached to the trunk and lower extremity segments during over-ground running trials using a 10-camera motion capture system, force platform, and timing system. Five running trials at 4.0-4.5 m/s were collected and peak angles of hip adduction, internal rotation, and extension and trunk flexion and lateral lean were averaged across the trials. Strength of the hip abductors external rotators, and extensors were collected during 3 maximal voluntary contractions using a handheld dynamometer and stabilization straps. To identify the differences between kinematic and strength variables, an independent t-test was performed to compare between groups with a significance level set at α