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Physiological and Mechanical Performance Determinants in Running

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Exercise and Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2023) | Viewed by 22984

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Arturo Casado

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Guest Editor

Centre for Sport Studies, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28032 Madrid, Spain
Interests: pacing behavior during competition and training characteristics and their influence on performance and its physiological and mechanical determinants in runners and endurance athletes

Dr. Pedro Jimenez-Reyes

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Guest Editor

Sport Sciences Research Centre, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
Interests: force-velocity profiling; strength and conditioning; athlete testing and monitoring; sprinting; jumping; fatigue; optimized training
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Víctor Cuadrado-Peñafiel

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Guest Editor

Education Faculty, Autonomous University of Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
Interests: human exercise, biomechanics and sport physiology and performance, with application in the field of sport training, with specific interest in determinant factors of performance in team-sports
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Natalia Romero-Franco

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Guest Editor

Nursing and Physiotherapy Department. University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Interests: Sport Sciences and Physiotherapy scientific specialized in prevention of sports injuries and application of new technologies for evaluating and managing sports-related injury risk. Specially interest in biomechanical analysis of sport movements and proprioception as parameters for prevention and performance

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Physiological variables such as V̇O_2max, maximum aerobic velocity, fractional utilization (sustainable percentage of V̇O_2max), running economy, and critical power are considered performance determinants in distance running events. The development of all these variables can be optimized when certain training characteristics are implemented, whereby final performance during competition is improved. In addition, mechanical variables strongly influence performance in sprint and distance running events and other running-related collective sports. The running economy depends, among others on mechanical factors such as leg stiffness and influence performance in distance runners. Sprinting ability displays a very important role in running-related collective sports, and sprint performance is predominantly mechanical-dependent. The force–velocity relationship observed during a sprint determines a profile consisting of different components, which in turn can be optimized through specific training methods, thereby also improving sprint performance. Therefore, this Special Issue aims to publish studies which examine the influence of (i) mechanical variables on running performance; (ii) physiological variables on running performance; and (iii) specific training characteristics on running performance and its mechanical and physiological determinants; in sprint events, distance running events and running-related collective sports. Interventional studies on highly trained/elite athletes are particularly encouraged.

Dr. Arturo Casado Alda
Dr. Pedro Jimenez-Reyes
Dr. Víctor Cuadrado-Peñafiel
Dr. Natalia Romero-Franco
Guest Editors

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Keywords

physiology
running
economy
biomechanics
force–velocity profile
performance
sprint
collective sports
soccer
distance runners

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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24 pages, 5360 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Complexity of Running and Its Relationship with Joint Kinematics during a Prolonged Run

by Siddhartha Bikram Panday, Prabhat Pathak, Jeheon Moon and Dohoon Koo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9656; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159656 - 5 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3032

Abstract

We investigated the effect of prolonged running on joint kinematics and its association with stride complexity between novice and elite runners. Ten elite marathoners and eleven healthy individuals took part in a 20 min submaximal prolonged running experiment at their preferred running speed (PRS). A three-dimensional motion capture system was utilized to capture and calculate the alpha exponent, stride-to-stride fluctuations (SSFs), and stride-to-stride variability (SSV) of spatiotemporal parameters and joint kinematics. In the results, the elite athletes ran at a considerably higher PRS than the novice runners, yet no significant differences were found in respiratory exchange ratio with increasing time intervals. For the spatiotemporal parameters, we observed a significant increase in the step width and length variability in novice runners with increasing time-interval (p < 0.05). However, we did not observe any differences in the alpha exponent of spatiotemporal parameters. Significant differences in SSF of joint kinematics were observed, particularly in the sagittal plane for ankle, knee, and hip at heel strike (p < 0.05). While in mid-stance, time-interval differences were observed in novices who ran with a lower knee flexion angle (p < 0.05). During toe-off, significantly higher SSV was observed, particularly in the hip and ankle for novices (p < 0.05). The correlation analysis of joint SSV revealed a distinct negative relationship with the alpha exponent of step-length and step-width for elite runners, while, for novices, a positive relation was observed only for the alpha exponent of step-width. In conclusion, our study shows that increased step-width variability seen in novices could be a compensatory mechanism to maintain performance and mitigate the loss of stability. On the other hand, elite runners showed a training-induced effective modulation of lower-limb kinematics to improve their running performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological and Mechanical Performance Determinants in Running)

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11 pages, 1201 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using Musical Feedback Increases Stride Frequency in Recreational Runners

by Sergio Sellés-Pérez, Lara Eza-Casajús, José Fernández-Sáez, Miguel Martínez-Moreno and Roberto Cejuela

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 3870; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19073870 - 24 Mar 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4109

Abstract

The number of participants in popular races has increased in recent years, with most of them being amateurs. In addition, it has been observed that there is a high percentage of injuries among them, and some of these injuries may be related to a low stride frequency. The aim of this research was to check if a continuous running training program with a musical base improves the stride frequency of popular runners. For this purpose, the effect of a 6 week continuous running training program with the help of a musical track with a constant rhythm that was 10% higher than the preferred stride frequency of the subjects was analyzed and compared to a control group that performed the continuous running training without sound stimuli. Significant increases were found in the evolution of stride frequency in the experimental group between the pre- and post-test (p = 0.002). No significant changes were observed in the stride frequency of the control group. These results show that training with music feedback helps to improve stride frequency in recreational runners. Future research should study the evolution of the improvement obtained in time as it is unknown if the increase in stride rate has been integrated in the runner’s technique, making the improvement obtained permanent. Future research is needed to confirm these results by enlarging the sample and carrying out an exhaustive biomechanical study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological and Mechanical Performance Determinants in Running)

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10 pages, 721 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differentiating Endurance-and Speed-Adapted Types of Elite and World Class Milers According to Biomechanical, Pacing and Perceptual Responses during a Sprint Interval Session

by Arturo Casado, Andrew Renfree, José Carlos Jaenes-Sánchez, Víctor Cuadrado-Peñafiel and Pedro Jiménez-Reyes

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(5), 2448; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052448 - 2 Mar 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2925

Abstract

The aim was to compare pacing, biomechanical and perceptual responses between elite speed-and endurance-adapted milers during a sprint interval training session (SIT). Twenty elite and world-class middle-distance runners (male: n = 16, female: n = 4; 24.95 ± 5.18 years; 60.89 ± 7 kg) were classified as either speed- or endurance-adapted milers according to their recent performances at 800 m or longer races than 1500 m (10 subjects per group). Participants performed 10 repetitions of 100 m sprints with 2 min of active recovery between each, and performance, perceptual and biomechanical responses were collected. The difference between accumulated times of the last and the first five repetitions was higher in speed-adapted milers (ES = 1.07) displaying a more positive pacing strategy. A higher coefficient of variation (CV%) was displayed across the session by speed-adapted milers in average repetition time, contact time, and affective valence (ES ≥ 1.15). Speed-adapted milers experienced lower rates of valence after the 4th repetition excepting at the 8th repetition (ES ≥ 0.99). Speed-adapted milers may need to display a more positive pacing profile than endurance-adapted milers and, therefore, would experience lower levels of affective valence and a more rapid increase of ground contact time during a SIT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological and Mechanical Performance Determinants in Running)

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9 pages, 346 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Arch Stiffness Influence Running Spatiotemporal Parameters? An Analysis of the Relationship between Influencing Factors on Running Performance

by Felipe García-Pinillos, Diego Jaén-Carrillo, Pedro Ángel Latorre-Román, Carles Escalona-Marfil, Víctor M. Soto-Hermoso, Carlos Lago-Fuentes, Silvia Pueyo-Villa, Irma Domínguez-Azpíroz and Luis E. Roche-Seruendo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(5), 2437; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052437 - 2 Mar 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2932

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the influence of arch stiffness on running spatiotemporal parameters at a common speed for a wide range of endurance runners (i.e., 12 km·h⁻¹). In total, 97 runners, 52 men and 45 women, completed a treadmill running protocol at 12 km·h⁻¹. Spatiotemporal parameters were measured using the OptoGait system, and foot structure was assessed by determining arch stiffness. Since between-sex differences were found in anthropometric and foot structure variables, data analysis was conducted separately for men and women, and body mass and height were considered as covariates. For both sexes, a k-means cluster analysis grouped participants according to arch stiffness, by obtaining a group of low-arch stiffness (LAS group) and a group of high-arch stiffness (HAS group), with significant differences in arch stiffness (p < 0.001, for both men and women). No significant differences between LAS and HAS groups were found in running spatiotemporal parameters, regardless of sex (p ≥ 0.05). For both sexes, the partial correlation analysis reported no significant correlations (p ≥ 0.05) between foot structure variables and running spatiotemporal parameters. The results obtained show no differences in spatiotemporal gait characteristics during running at submaximal velocity between runners with low-arch stiffness and those with high-arch stiffness, regardless of sex. These findings may have important implications for clinicians and coaches by adding more evidence to the debate about the use of static foot classification measures when characterizing the foot and its biomechanics during running. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological and Mechanical Performance Determinants in Running)

6 pages, 619 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Effect of Running Velocity Variation on the Aerobic Cost of Running

by Madeline Ranum, Carl Foster, Clayton Camic, Glenn Wright, Flavia Guidotti, Jos J de Koning, Christopher Dodge and John P. Porcari

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 2025; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18042025 - 19 Feb 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3187

Abstract

The aerobic cost of running (CR), an important determinant of running performance, is usually measured during constant speed running. However, constant speed does not adequately reflect the nature of human locomotion, particularly competitive races, which include stochastic variations in pace. Studies in non-athletic individuals suggest that stochastic variations in running velocity produce little change in CR. This study was designed to evaluate whether variations in running speed influence CR in trained runners. Twenty competitive runners (12 m, VO_2max = 73 ± 7 mL/kg; 8f, VO_2max = 57 ± 6 mL/kg) ran four 6-minute bouts at an average speed calculated to require ~90% ventilatory threshold (VT) (measured using both v-slope and ventilatory equivalent). Each interval was run with minute-to-minute pace variation around average speed. CR was measured over the last 2 min. The coefficient of variation (CV) of running speed was calculated to quantify pace variations: ±0.0 m∙s⁻¹ (CV = 0%), ±0.04 m∙s⁻¹ (CV = 1.4%), ±0.13 m∙s⁻¹(CV = 4.2%), and ±0.22 m∙s⁻¹(CV = 7%). No differences in CR, HR, or blood lactate (BLa) were found amongst the variations in running pace. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was significantly higher only in the 7% CV condition. The results support earlier studies with short term (3s) pace variations, that pace variation within the limits often seen in competitive races did not affect CR when measured at running speeds below VT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological and Mechanical Performance Determinants in Running)

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16 pages, 3602 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Exploratory Analysis of Sprint Force-Velocity Characteristics, Kinematics and Performance across a Periodized Training Year: A Case Study of Two National Level Sprint Athletes

by Dylan Shaun Hicks, Claire Drummond, Kym J. Williams and Roland van den Tillaar

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 15404; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192215404 - 21 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4362

Abstract

Objective: This case study aimed to explore changes to sprint force-velocity characteristics across a periodized training year (45 weeks) and the influence on sprint kinematics and performance in national level 100-meter athletes. Force-velocity characteristics have been shown to differentiate between performance levels in sprint athletes, yet limited information exists describing how characteristics change across a season and impact sprint performance, therefore warranting further research. Methods: Two male national level 100-meter athletes (Athlete 1: 22 years, 1.83 m, 81.1 kg, 100 m time: 10.47 s; Athlete 2: 19 years, 1.82 cm, 75.3 kg, 100 m time: 10.81 s) completed 12 and 11 force-velocity assessments, respectively, using electronic timing gates. Sprint mechanical characteristics were derived from 30-meter maximal sprint efforts using split times (i.e., 0–10 m, 0–20 m, 0–30 m) whereas step kinematics were established from 100-meter competition performance using video analysis. Results: Between the preparation (PREP) and competition (COMP) phase, Athlete 1 showed significantly large within-athlete effects for relative maximal power (P_MAX), theoretical maximal velocity (v₀), maximum ratio of force (RF_MAX), maximal velocity (V_MAX), and split time from 0 to 20 m and 0 to 30 m (−1.70 ≤ ES ≥ 1.92, p ≤ 0.05). Athlete 2 reported significant differences with large effects for relative maximal force (F₀) and RF_MAX only (ES: ≤ −1.46, p ≤ 0.04). In the PREP phase, both athletes reported almost perfect correlations between F₀, P_MAX and 0–20 m (r = −0.99, p ≤ 0.01), however in the COMP phase, the relationships between mechanical characteristics and split times were more individual. Competition performance in the 100-meter sprint (10.64 ± 0.24 s) showed a greater reliance on step length (r ≥ −0.72, p ≤ 0.001) than step frequency to achieve faster performances. The minimal detectable change (%) across mechanical variables ranged from 1.3 to 10.0% while spatio-temporal variables were much lower, from 0.94 to 1.48%, with Athlete 1 showing a higher ‘true change’ in performance across the season compared to Athlete 2. Conclusions: The estimated sprint force-velocity data collected across a training year may provide insight to practitioners about the underpinning mechanical characteristics which affect sprint performance during specific phases of training, plus how a periodized training design may enhance sprint force-velocity characteristics and performance outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological and Mechanical Performance Determinants in Running)

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