Sex-Specific Effects of Hip, Leg, and Running-Related Fatigue on Bilateral Biomechanical Patterns in Endurance Runners
SASSI-funded student in charge of the project: Cinthuja Pathmanathan, Ph.D. Candidate
Supervisor: Dr. Julie Côté
Project status: On-going
Project summary: Patellofemoral joint syndrome (PFPS) is a common knee condition in runners. The current guidelines to prevent PFPS suggest strengthening specific groups of knee and hip muscles. The objective of this study is to identify the sex-specific effects of localized fatigue compared to running-related fatigue on running biomechanics. We will be assessing existing lower limb asymmetry among endurance runners. We will also determine the influence of gluteus medius and quadriceps muscle fatigue on lower limb running biomechanics. Thirty recreational endurance runners will be recruited for 3 sessions to complete a pre-fatigue run, one of three separate fatiguing protocols, and a post fatigue run. Muscle activity, muscle torque, and kinematics will be analyzed to quantify the sex-specific effects of localised muscle fatigue and running related fatigue.
Relevance to Sports Science: In the long term, these results will be useful in early injury detection, prevention and management using biofeedback-based approaches to improve the health and quality of life of both sexes.
The Effects of Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation on Kinematic Variability in Experienced Endurance Runners
Supervisor: Dr. Caroline Paquette
Project status: On-going
Project summary: This project is examining the effects of non-invasive brain stimulation on endurance runners with a specific focus on kinematic variability. The brain was stimulated under four conditions in two locations to increase muscle activation and decrease the perception of fatigue. After the stimulation the runner would then complete a 3 km run where their performance and kinematics would be observed. This study is the first to stimulate two locations in the brain and compare them to each of the locations individually. Additionally, this study is the first to consider kinematic factors as well as time-based performance.
Relevance to Sports Science: It is important to explore new and safe methods to both improve sports performance and reduce injury.
