Validation of ergonomic running handgrip elements to improve arm posture of running novices

Abstract Running is one of the most popular sports worldwide motivating many non-athletic people to start new physical activities. But especially novice runners are at risk to develop injuries as they tend to run with prejudicial posture. Hence, there has been considerable research to identify factors improving running performance. One of these factors is the correct movement of arms as a swinging pendulum during running. Based on this knowledge ergonomically shaped handgrip elements were designed to improve the posture of the shoulder-arm complex during running. The main objective of this study was the validation of the actual effectiveness on shoulder-arm posture of these handgrips. In this sense 25 adult, healthy persons without running experience were examined by motion capture analysis during running on a treadmill with and without the use of the handgrips. The focus of movement analysis was on changes of hand supination, shoulder abduction and shoulder rotation. Flexion of elbows and shoulders were not expected to change and thus, were investigated as an internal control. Significant changes were found in sense of a reduction of forearm pronation, shoulder abduction, and internal rotation of the shoulder, resulting in improved posture during running. At the same time, no significant changes were found in elbow flexion and shoulder flexion. Future studies are needed to investigate the effects of the detected improvement of arm posture on other important running parameters, such as trunk stability, movement of lower limbs, running economy, and risk of injury. These studies should also compare effects in competitive athletes, recreational runners, and novice runners.