Effect of Repetitive Loading on Tibiotalar Cartilage and Lower Limb Biomechanics: Application to Long-Distance Unshod Running

Abstract

The effect of repetitive loading on ankle (tibiotalar) cartilage and its relationship to running biomechanics in response to long-distance unshod running are poorly understood. This thesis integrates gait analysis, magnetic resonance (MR)-derived T2 maps and finite element (FE) modelling of joint cartilage stress to investigate the effects of 5km unshod running on the tibiotalar cartilage and the lower limb biomechanics. Twenty healthy, young participants underwent a 3.0-Tesla MR scan and unshod running gait assessment before and after 5km unshod running. An 8-camera Vicon motion analysis system and three force platforms were used to collect 3D kinematic and ground reaction force during unshod running. Plantar pressure distribution was also measured by the Novel emed® pressure platform during unshod running. For further statistical tests, participants were stratified by their running experiences (novice and marathon-experienced groups) and gender (male and female groups). After 5km running, significant ankle kinematic alterations were observed in female runners, which were strongly associated with lowering plantarflexion moment. Plantar loading was also shifted from the medial to the lateral forefoot after running, with greater change seen in the novice group and the female group.