As we journey through the gait cycle, the propulsion phase, also known as the take-off, showcases the dynamic interplay of our body's anatomical structures. This stage is where the potential energy stored during previous phases is unleashed, thrusting the runner forward into the next stride.
Central to this phase is the 'triple extension', a synchronized concert of the hip, knee, and ankle extending in harmony. This movement sequence is the powerhouse of our running stride.
Article Index:
Anatomical Structures
Motion Specific Release
Conclusion & References
Soft Tissue Structures
Let's cover some of the soft tissue structures that are involved in the Take Off or Triple Extension Phase:
Gastrocnemius and Soleus:
Calf muscles, particularly the Gastrocnemius and Soleus, crucially plantarflex the ankle joint during take-off, initiating forward propulsion.
Visual Cue: Dysfunction in these muscles might result in diminished push-off power, leading to shorter strides and less efficient running. The runner might compensate by overusing hamstrings or hip extensors, potentially leading to overstriding and injury risk.
Quadriceps:
The Quadriceps, particularly the Rectus Femoris, are essential for knee joint extension during take-off, contributing to propulsion and leg extension.
Visual Cue: If dysfunctional, controlled knee extension may be compromised, leading to a less vigorous push-off, shorter strides, and potentially reduced speed. The runner may also exhibit a "stiff-knee" gait, indicative of fluid knee extension loss.
Gluteus Maximus:
The Gluteus Maximus, a powerful hip extensor, facilitates hip joint extension during take-off, supplying the power required for forward momentum.
Visual Cue:If dysfunctional, adequate hip extension may be compromised, leading to reduced stride length and inefficient energy use. The runner may exhibit excessive forward lean or increased lower back extension to compensate for limited hip extension, potentially contributing to lower back issues over time.
Hamstrings:
The Hamstrings, especially the Biceps Femoris, assist in hip extension during take-off, contributing to propulsion.
Visual Cue: If a runner has dysfunctional hamstrings during take-off, they may exhibit reduced knee flexion and shortened stride length. This could also cause insufficient leg lift during the swing phase, increasing tripping risks. Additionally, compromised hip extension may lead to less efficient and powerful propulsion.
Tibialis Posterior:
The Tibialis Posterior muscle facilitates the foot's shift from shock absorption to rigid lever by aiding foot supination during take-off.
Visual Cue:If dysfunctional during take-off, the runner might struggle to control foot pronation, leading to over-pronation or excessive inward rolling of the foot. This instability can compromise efficient propulsion, potentially resulting in an inefficient gait and a heightened risk of lower leg and ankle injuries.
Joints
As we delve into this intriguing phase, we'll highlight the key joints that play a major role in this biomechanical performance. So, let's dive in:
Talocrural (Ankle) Joint:
The ankle joint's plantarflexion, crucial for push-off in the take-off phase, may be hindered by joint dysfunction. This can cause diminished propulsion and an inefficient stride.
Visual Cue: If a runner exhibits talocrural (ankle) joint dysfunction, their full plantarflexion, vital for effective toe-off, may be compromised, reducing stride length and weakening push-off power.
Knee Joint:
The knee joint's extension aids in propulsion during take-off, and its dysfunction, such as limited motion or instability, can curtail propulsion and impair running efficacy. If a runner exhibits knee joint dysfunction during take-off, a decrease in knee extension, vital for optimum propulsion, may be seen.
Visual Cue: Reduced stride length, inefficient energy use, and potentially compensatory injuries over time due to a possible "snapping" or "jerking" compensatory motion.
Hip Joint:
Hip joint extension during the take-off phase contributes to forward propulsion. Dysfunction, possibly due to muscle imbalances or joint restrictions, can impact propulsive force effectiveness.
Visual Cue: Decrease in hip extension, shortened stride, less powerful propulsion. Increased anterior pelvic tilt or lateral hip sway as compensation, raising the energy cost during running and possibly escalating the injury risk.
Subtalar (Ankle) Joint:
The subtalar joint's supination turns the foot into a rigid lever, vital for effective push-off. Dysfunction could lead to less efficient push-off and gait instability.
Visual Cue: Inhibited full plantarflexion, less powerful or incomplete push-off, and shorter stride lengths. May exhibit excessive pronation or supination.
Pelvis:
The anterior pelvic tilt in the take-off phase directs propulsive force forward. Inadequate tilt, potentially from tight hamstrings or strength imbalances, may lead to a more vertical force application, reducing efficiency.
Visual Cue: Asymmetrical hip movements or rotational deviations, leading to inefficient force transfer and less powerful push-off, possibly shortening stride length. Compensatory movements, like increased lateral trunk lean or excessive rotation, may arise, potentially heightening injury risk.
Visual Cue Checklist
Gastrocnemius and Soleus
Visual Cue: Diminished push-off power, shorter strides.
Quadriceps
Visual Cue: Stiff-knee" gait, reduced knee extension.
Gluteus Maximus
Visual Cue: Excessive forward lean or lower back extension.
Hamstrings
Visual Cue: Reduced knee flexion, shortened stride length.
Tibialis Posterior
Visual Cue: Over-pronation or inward rolling of the foot.
Talocrural (Ankle) Joint
Visual Cue: Compromised plantarflexion, reduced stride length.
Knee Joint
Visual Cue: Snapping" or "jerking" compensatory motion.
Hip Joint
Visual Cue: Increased anterior pelvic tilt or lateral hip sway.
Subtalar (Ankle) Joint
Visual Cue: Inhibited plantarflexion, excessive pronation or supination.
Pelvis
Visual Cue: Asymmetrical hip movements or rotational deviations.
This checklist serves as a quick reference for identifying biomechanical inefficiencies during the take-off phase, aiding in prompt and targeted interventions.
Motion Specific Release
Upon identifying a specific set of anatomical structures that require intervention, we can employ manual techniques aimed at both soft tissue and skeletal structures. This is complemented by a functional exercise regimen that focuses on improving mobility, enhancing strength, and fine-tuning proprioception.
Motion Specific Release (MSR) Demonstration
In this video, Dr. Abelson demonstrates some very effective MSR procedures for addressing some of the key soft tissue structures mentioned above.
Conclusion
The propulsion phase, or 'take-off,' in the gait cycle is a critical juncture that involves a coordinated effort of muscles and joints to propel the runner forward. Key soft tissues like the Gastrocnemius, Soleus, and Quadriceps, as well as pivotal joints such as the Talocrural and Hip, play vital roles. Dysfunctions in these areas can lead to inefficiencies and higher injury risks, making them crucial focal points for diagnostic and therapeutic intervention.
Understanding this phase goes beyond mere observation, benefiting from evidence-based approaches like Motion Specific Release (MSR). These methods enable targeted treatments to improve biomechanical efficiency and reduce injury risks. As research advances, our capacity to optimize this complex biomechanical process will only improve, contributing to increased performance and injury prevention.
DR. BRIAN ABELSON DC. - The Author
Dr. Abelson's approach in musculoskeletal health care reflects a deep commitment to evidence-based practices and continuous learning. In his work at Kinetic Health in Calgary, Alberta, he focuses on integrating the latest research with a compassionate understanding of each patient's unique needs. As the developer of the Motion Specific Release (MSR) Treatment Systems, he views his role as both a practitioner and an educator, dedicated to sharing knowledge and techniques that can benefit the wider healthcare community. His ongoing efforts in teaching and practice aim to contribute positively to the field of musculoskeletal health, with a constant emphasis on patient-centered care and the collective advancement of treatment methods.
Revolutionize Your Practice with Motion Specific Release (MSR)!
MSR, a cutting-edge treatment system, uniquely fuses varied therapeutic perspectives to resolve musculoskeletal conditions effectively.
Attend our courses to equip yourself with innovative soft-tissue and osseous techniques that seamlessly integrate into your clinical practice and empower your patients by relieving their pain and restoring function. Our curriculum marries medical science with creative therapeutic approaches and provides a comprehensive understanding of musculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment methods.
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With MSR, your practice will flourish, achieve remarkable clinical outcomes, and see patient referrals skyrocket. Step into the future of treatment with MSR courses and membership!
References
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