Aerial and Terrestrial Patterns: A Novel Approach to Analyzing Human Running

Abstract

Biomechanical parameters are often analyzed independently, although running gait is a dynamic system wherein changes in one parameter are likely to affect another. Accordingly, the Volodalen® method provides a model for classifying running patterns into 2 categories, aerial and terrestrial, using a global subjective rating scoring system. We aimed to validate the Volodalen® method by verifying whether the aerial and terrestrial patterns, defined subjectively by a running coach, were associated with distinct objectively-measured biomechanical parameters. The running patterns of 91 individuals were assessed subjectively using the Volodalen® method by an expert running coach during a 10-min running warm-up. Biomechanical parameters were measured objectively using the OptojumpNext® during a 50-m run performed at 3.3, 4.2, and 5 m·s(-1) and were compared between aerial- and terrestrial-classified subjects. Longer contact times and greater leg compression were observed in the terrestrial compared to the aerial runners. The aerial runners exhibited longer flight time, greater center of mass displacement, maximum vertical force and leg stiffness than the terrestrial ones. The subjective categorization of running patterns was associated with distinct objectively-quantified biomechanical parameters. Our results suggest that a subjective holistic assessment of running patterns provides insight into the biomechanics of running gaits of individuals.

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“…1 ). At self-selected speeds, AER and TER exhibited specific biomechanical parameters (AER vs TER, t c : 255±25 vs 284±27 ms; P =0.003, t f : 101±24 vs 80±31 ms; P =0.026, and k leg : 9.8±1.1 vs 8.9±1.1 kN m −1 ; P =0.037) in line with previously reported results at a standardised speed ( Gindre et al, 2015 ). Interestingly, significant relationships were found between the score of pleasure-displeasure for t c [ r =−0.60 (−0.82; −0.23); P =0.015] and for k leg [ r =0.49 (0.08; 0.76); P =0.054] in the AER group.…”

“…AER was associated with shorter t c , longer t f , and greater leg stiffness ( k leg ) than TER ( Gindre et al, 2015 ). Based on the biomechanical analysis, the author hypothesised that AER relies on the stretch-shortening cycle and the return of elastic energy to minimize energy expenditure, whereas the TER minimizes energy expenditure through reduced vertical oscillation and external work ( Gindre et al, 2015 ). On the speed continuum, the biomechanical parameters associated with AER correspond well to the higher speed-induced parameters, while those associated with TER match the lower speed-induced parameters ( Padulo et al, 2012 ).…”

“…Recently, Gindre et al (2015) showed that runners could be divided into two global running patterns, i.e. aerial (AER) and terrestrial (TER).…”

“…aerial (AER) and terrestrial (TER). At standardised speeds, the two groups elicited different biomechanical parameters leading to different strategies to optimize running economy ( Gindre et al, 2015 ). AER was associated with shorter t c , longer t f , and greater leg stiffness ( k leg ) than TER ( Gindre et al, 2015 ).…”

“…At standardised speeds, the two groups elicited different biomechanical parameters leading to different strategies to optimize running economy ( Gindre et al, 2015 ). AER was associated with shorter t c , longer t f , and greater leg stiffness ( k leg ) than TER ( Gindre et al, 2015 ). Based on the biomechanical analysis, the author hypothesised that AER relies on the stretch-shortening cycle and the return of elastic energy to minimize energy expenditure, whereas the TER minimizes energy expenditure through reduced vertical oscillation and external work ( Gindre et al, 2015 ).…”