Joint kinematic and kinetic responses to added mass on the lower extremities during running

We analyzed the biomechanical response (joint angles, moments, and powers) to running with added leg mass. These data may help guide the design of wearable locomotor assistive devices (i.e., exoskeletons), which are becoming more prevalent. 15 participants (7 females, 8 males) completed treadmill running trials (3m•s−1) normally and with lead mass (300–1350 g) attached to the thigh, shank, or foot, bilaterally. We quantified the lower limb biomechanics combining motion capture and ground reaction force data using standard inverse dynamics analysis. Only moderate kinematic changes occurred in response to the distal added limb mass. Maximum hip flexion and maximum knee flexion angles during swing phase increased by approximately 9% and 6% respectively for each 1 kg added to each foot. However, adding even small masses made dramatic changes to the joint moments and powers, mostly during the swing phase. For example, adding 1 kg to each foot increased maximum joint moments by as much as 40% (knee extension in late swing) and maximum joint power by as much as 50% (hip generation in late swing). Leg joint kinematics were largely conserved in response to adding mass to the legs. Adding mass to the leg distally increased joint power mainly at the knee and hip joints during the swing phase, whereas adding mass proximally mainly affected the ankle joint mechanics during the stance phase. These changes have implications for shoe designs, people who run with added mass on their legs for sport/strength training and for the design of wearable devices. •The study examined the influence of added leg mass on running biomechanics.•Added leg mass had only small effects on stride and joint kinematics.•Added mass greatly increased knee and hip moments and powers during swing phase.•More distal added mass elicited greater knee and hip joint moments and powers.•Surprisingly, energy harvesting exoskeletons might benefit from distal loading.