Gait analysis and spinal rotation

This study correlates spinal rotation with the forces on the feet and knees while jogging. Force sensors, a spinal rotation device, and video software were used to study four test subjects. The runners were observed during jogs with normal form, with exaggerated spinal rotation, and restricted spinal rotation. Acquired data were applied to a two-dimensional musculoskeletal model to solve for muscle and bone forces in the ankle and knee. Spinal rotation was not directly correlated to the ground reaction force (GRF) in the foot during landing. However, more spinal rotation resulted in longer stride length. Muscle and bone forces were calculated and compared to previous studies and EMG activity. Trends suggest that increased rotation gave rise to decreased compressive joint forces in the knee.