Effect of running-induced fatigue on lower limb mechanics in novice runners

Background: Running-induced fatigue has received much attention in recent years. However, very few studies have investigated the effect of fatigue on lower limb biomechanics in three planes. Objective: This study was designed to investigate biomechanical changes in the lower limb in three planes following running-induced fatigue. Methods: Fifteen male novice runners were included in the study and performed three running trails pre- and post-fatigue. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests or paired-sample t tests were used to analyze the data. Results: Lower limb biomechanics significantly changed, especially kinetic parameters, when fatigue occurred. The peak ankle dorsiflexion angle and range of motion of the knee joint in the frontal plane increased. As for kinetic parameters, in the ankle joint, the peak external rotation moment, peak abduction power and peak internal rotation power increased. In the knee joint, the peak abduction and external rotation moment, peak flexion power, peak adduction and abduction power also increased. In the hip joint, the peak flexion moment was decreased, peak adduction and abduction moment, peak external rotation power, peak adduction and abduction power moment were increased. Conclusion: The findings of this study may contribute to our understanding of the impact of fatigue and provide some helpful information to prevent related injuries.