Can we modify maximal speed running posture? Implications for performance and hamstring injury management

Purpose: Sprint kinematics have been linked to hamstring injury and performance. This study aimed to examine if a
specific 6-week multimodal intervention, combining lumbopelvic control and running technique exercises, induced
changes in pelvis and lower limb kinematics at maximal speed and improved sprint performance.
Methods: Healthy amateur athletes were assigned to control (CG) or intervention group (IG). A sprint test with threedimensional
kinematic measurements was performed before (PRE) and after (POST) 6 weeks of training. IG program
included 3 weekly sessions integrating coaching, strength and conditioning, and physical therapy approaches (e.g.
manual therapy, mobility, lumbopelvic control, strength and sprint “front-side mechanics” oriented drills).
Results: Analyses of variance showed no between-group differences at PRE. At POST, intra-group analyses showed
PRE-POST differences for the pelvic (sagittal and frontal planes) and thigh kinematics and improved sprint
performance (split times) for the IG only. Specifically, IG showed (i) a lower anterior pelvic tilt (APT) during the late
swing phase, (ii) greater pelvic obliquity on the free-leg side during the early swing phase, (iii) higher vertical position
of the front-leg knee, (iv) an increase in thigh angular velocity and thigh retraction velocity, (v) lower between-knees
distance at initial contact, and (vi) a shorter ground contact duration. Inter-group analysis revealed disparate effects
(possibly to very likely) in the most relevant variables investigated.
Conclusion: The 6-week multimodal training program induced clear pelvic and lower limb kinematic changes during
maximal speed sprinting. These alterations may collectively be associated with reduced risk of muscle strain and were
concomitant with significant sprint performance improvement.