Sprinting and intoeing

J Pediatr Orthop. 1996 Jul-Aug;16(4):489-91. doi: 10.1097/00004694-199607000-00013.

Abstract

The relationship between sprinting ability and intoeing was explored in a single blinded controlled study performed on 100 high school students. Rotational profiles and sprinting foot-progression angles were compared in 50 high school sprinters and 50 high school controls. Sprinters had a significantly lower (p < 0.05) thigh-foot angle than did controls. The mean thigh-foot angle for sprinters and controls was +3 and +10 degrees, respectively. Significantly more sprinters intoed during sprinting than controls (p < 0.05). Neither walking foot-progression angle nor hip rotation appears to be a factor in sprinting. The findings of this study suggest that low normal thigh-foot angles and sprinting intoed may correlate with sprinting ability. This information may reduce anxiety of parents of children with medial tibial torsion.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Female
  • Foot / physiology*
  • Gait*
  • Hip Joint / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Running / physiology*