Speed-dependent stance time adaptations in long-distance runners with and without a history of knee injury
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Abstract
Running-related knee injuries are common in long-distance runners and may lead to persistent biomechanical adaptations even after return to sport. This study aimed to compare spatiotemporal parameters of the running gait cycle between long-distance runners with and without a history of knee injury during incremental treadmill running. Thirty male long-distance recreational runners (15 with previous knee injury and 15 controls) were assessed using three-dimensional motion capture at 9, 11, and 13 km/h. Temporal variables included stride time, stance time, swing time, phase distribution, and cadence. Mixed-model repeated measures analyses and Mann–Whitney U tests were applied (p < .05). No significant main effects or interactions were observed, indicating a preserved global temporal organization across speeds. However, runners with a history of injury demonstrated greater stance time at 9 km/h (right limb) and 11 km/h (left limb). These findings suggest the presence of subtle, speed-dependent adaptations in temporal running mechanics, particularly during the stance phase. Such localized adjustments may be relevant for understanding injury recurrence and guiding biomechanical assessment in running populations. injury recurrence and for guiding biomechanical assessment in running populations.
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