Details
- Title: Hamstrings Stretch More in Accelerative than Constant-Speed Running
- Speakers: Reed Gurchiek, PhD, Clemson University
- Time: Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 9:00 AM Pacific Time
Abstract
Hamstring injuries are common in field-based sports with high reinjury rates. Recent evidence suggests they often occur during accelerative running, but investigations of hamstring mechanics have primarily considered constant and high-speed running.
In this webinar, Dr. Gurchiek will discuss a recently published study that addresses this gap in our understanding using a unique, more realistic dataset compared with previous studies. The study used OpenCap, a software system for computing musculoskeletal forces from smartphone video, to collect movement data outdoors on a natural running surface. The experimental design further sought to emulate in-game accelerative running, where athletes often accelerate from a sub-maximal running speed. Using an OpenSim model, Dr. Gurchiek then compared hamstring lengths and velocities between accelerative and constant-speed running. Results showed that for running speeds below 75% of top speed, accelerative running resulted in greater peak lengths than constant speed running.
Dr. Gurchiek will present these analyses and findings and will also explore the effects of hip-knee coordination on hamstring lengthening during running with relevance to the study’s findings. Dr. Gurchiek will also discuss the potential practical impacts of these findings, including the use of OpenCap for informing coaching practices and movement screening of athletes.
Gurchiek, R.D., Teplin, Z., Falisse, A., Hicks, J.L., Delp, S.L. Hamstrings are Stretched More and Faster during Accelerative Running Compared to Speed-Matched Constant-Speed Running Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise (2024). https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000003577
This webinar is offered jointly with the Mobilize Center, an NIH-funded Medical Rehabilitation Research Resource Network Center at Stanford University.
Our Speaker
Reed Gurchiek
Assistant Professor
Dr. Reed Gurchiek is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at Clemson University where he directs the Human Movement Biomechanics Lab. His research combines mobile and wearable technologies with musculoskeletal modeling and simulation for biomechanical analysis. His lab applies these tools for musculoskeletal rehabilitation and aging science. He trained with Prof. Scott Delp at Stanford University as a Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance Postdoctoral Fellow and with Prof. Ryan McGinnis at the University of Vermont where he obtained his PhD in Mechanical Engineering.
