The main objective of this master's thesis was to observe pelvic kinematics in three planes (sagittal, frontal and transverse) during running under conditions of increased speed, incline, and fatigue. These conditions are important for understanding the onset of running-related injuries.
The study included 25 female recreational runners (age: 27,25 ± 11,58 years; height: 168,2 ± 4,25 cm; weight: 58,55 ± 5,77 kg) who were rearfoot strikers. Biomechanical analysis of the pelvis was performed using passive markers from a "Qualisys Sports Marker Set" and a Qualisys Oqus camera system.
The running protocol consisted of five one-minute runs performed at speeds of 10 km/h, 12 km/h, and 14 km/h on a level surface, followed by runs at 10 km/h on a 5° and 10° uphill incline. After the running protocol, a 30-minute fatigue test at 80% heart rate reserve was performed, followed by a repeat of the running protocol.
Biomechanical data were processed using Qualisys Track Manager, Visual 3D, and MATLAB. Statistical analysis was conducted in MATLAB using mixed models to assess the influence of different factors. Pre-planned comparisons with Bonferroni's post-hoc correction were used to determine the statistical significance of differences between means.
The results showed that an increase in running speed had a statistically significant effect on pelvic kinematics in all observed planes (all p < 0,001). Similarly, an increase in uphill incline significantly affected pelvic kinematics in the frontal plane (p = 0,004) and also in rotation (p = 0,002). Fatigue significantly affected pelvic rotation in the transverse plane (p < 0,001) and anterior pelvic tilt (p < 0,001). However, no statistically significant effect on pelvic kinematics in the frontal plane was observed.
This master's thesis provides insights into pelvic kinematics in the sagittal, transverse, and frontal planes during running in recreationally active females under conditions of increased speed, incline, and fatigue. The key findings are related to the understanding that proper pelvic motion plays a significant role in trunk stabilization and injury prevention.
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