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In running, there is an important concept we need to know called the “gait cycle”. This starts when one foot makes contact with the ground, and ends when that same foot touches the ground again. It can be divided into two phases: the stance phase (during which the foot is in contact with the ground), and the swing phase (during which the foot is not in contact with the ground), and each phase is made up of several components.
THE STANCE PHASE CAN BE DIVIDED INTO THREE STAGES:
Initial contact
In this stage, the heel strikes the ground and the leg decelerates for contact. The tibialis anterior muscle hold the foot in position when the contact occurs. Meanwhile the gluteus maximus muscle decelerates the leg and the quadriceps muscle extends the knee, holding the leg straight and stable.
Mid-stance
During the mid-stance, the body weight shifts to one foot. The knee is extended and stabilized by the quadriceps and calf muscles. At the same time the gluteus medius muscle stabilizes the pelvis as the center of mass continues to move forward.
Toe-off
This is the stage that links the stance phase to the swing phase. The calf muscles make the toes push off to accelerate the body. The hamstrings then flex the knee and bring the leg into the swing phase.
THE SWING PHASE CAN BE DIVIDED INTO TWO STAGES:
Mid-swing
The hip flexors and quadriceps muscle accelerate the thigh during the leg swing. The hamstrings turn from eccentric contraction to concentric contraction to control the leg swing smoothly.
Terminal swing
In this final stage, the quadriceps muscle contracts concentrically and hamstrings contract eccentrically to decelerate the thigh and extend the knee. The tibialis anterior muscle brings the ankle into dorsiflexion in preparation for the next initial contact.
Once the gait cycle is understood, we see that the main muscles are the gluteus muscles and hip flexors at the hip, the quadriceps muscle and hamstrings at the thigh, and the tibialis anterior muscle and calf muscles at the lower leg. Muscular and athletic performance during running can be improved by wearing compression apparel that can support our body
(1) Gluteus muscles
(2) Hip flexors
(3) Quadriceps muscle
(4) Hamstrings
(5) Tibialis anterior muscle
(6) Calf muscles
The LP ACE and AIR compression apparel series are a perfect fit for what we discussed above. The Target Compression System of the Long Tights encircles and compresses the front thigh muscles and glutes on both sides of the pelvis and extends to the calves. It completely supports the major lower limb that works while running, increases the stability of hip and knee joints, and enhances coordination and muscular endurance of the lower body. Furthermore, the tops of the ACE and AIR series compress across both shoulders, upper back, and around the lower torso, which simultaneously stabilizes the torso and waist.
While running, the tops can support the core to maintain good alignment, improve coordination, and make arm movements smoother. These qualities make LP compression apparel the best choice for runners.
