Effects of Fatigue, Load Carriage, and Physical Activity History on Musculoskeletal Injury Mechanisms.

摘要

The overall purpose of this research is to determine the effects of fatigue, load carriage, and history of physical activity on the mechanical loading of the tibia and risk of tibial stress fracture. There are two specific aims in this study. The first aim is to determine the influences of fatigue and load carriage on gait mechanics and tibial loading. Twenty participants were recruited to perform walking in both fatigued and loaded conditions. CT scans of lower legs were obtained. Kinematic and kinetic gait analysis, musculoskeletal modeling, and finite element analysis of the tibia loading were conducted. The second research aim is to determine the effects of history of physical activity on tibial mechanical loading during impact related activities. Forty participants were recruited to perform running, landing, cutting maneuvers, and walking with loads. CT scans of lower legs were obtained. Kinematic and kinetic movement analysis, musculoskeletal modeling, and finite element analysis of the tibia loading are conducted. Within this final report, information concerning adherence to work objectives, results, and reportable outcomes are presented. Overall, we have achieved work objectives of the research and tested all the hypotheses. The data analysis demonstrates encouraging results.