k rochester, n reilly, c tucker, a marshall, g hess, b holloway, d masalleras k ford, d goss
Abstract accepted for podium presentation at the 2026 Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune’s Annual Research Symposium
Purpose/Hypothesis: Running is the primary form of cardiovascular exercise in all four branches of the United States military. (Lovalekar, 2021). Running related injuries (RRIs) are the most common lower extremity injuries among military service members (MSMs)(Lovalekar, 2021). Increased body mass index (BMI) has been associated with greater stress on runners’ bodies. (Shiotani 2023, Jha 2023, Naderi 2020, van Poppel 2020, Wilson 2021). This study compared three-dimensional running biomechanics between Soldiers with different BMIs. We hypothesized that Soldiers with greater BMI would run with biomechanics related to increased risk of RRIs.
Materials and Methods: Soldiers completed an IRB approved consent form and were given a numbered race bib to affix to their chests with with tape . Soldiers ran 900 meters through a 12-camera (200Hz) markerless motion capture system three separate times. Data were processed utilizing machine learning algorithms to track the running motion and create 3D pose estimations. Soldiers were compared between BMI groups calculated from self-reported height and weight (normal BMI (NO < 25), overweight (OW >25 <30), and obese (OB >30) according to the American College of Sports Medicine criteria.) across lower extremity Hip, Knee and Ankle angles during stance phase using a one-way ANOVA with statistical parametric mapping (SPM) (p < .05). Prospective injuries across 12 months are still ongoing and not presented in this abstract.
Conclusions: We were able to identify differences in running biomechanics between 3 BMI groups using markerless motion capture. Running with decreased sagittal plane motion at the hip and knee and increased adduction at the hip and knee may predispose Soldiers with greater BMI for RRI. Increased knee adduction has led to increased risk for RRI in previous studies (Venable, 2022).
Clinical Relevance: We observed differences in running biomechanics between Soldiers with normal, overweight, and obese BMI measures. This information may inform physical therapists treating Soldiers and civilian runners of varying BMI.