How do Amateur Endurance Runners Alter Spatiotemporal Parameters and Step Variability as Running Velocity Increases? A Sex Comparison

Abstract

This study aimed to analyse the effects of running velocity on spatiotemporal parameters and step variability in amateur endurance runners, according to sex. A group of 51 males and 46 females performed an incremental running test on a treadmill (10-16 km/h). Spatiotemporal parameters (contact and flight time, step length, step frequency and step angle [CT, FT, SL, SF, SA]) and step variability, in terms of within-participant standard deviation (SD), were recorded through the OptoGait System. The ANOVA showed significant differences in the magnitude of the spatiotemporal parameters as running velocity increased (p < 0.001). It also revealed significant differences in step variability (p < 0.005) over the entire running protocol. Between-sex differences in CT, SL, SL-normalized and SF (p < 0.05, ES = 0.4-0.8) were found. Differences were also found in step variability at high velocities (15-16 km/h), with males showing a greater SD than females. In conclusion, increasing running velocity makes CT shorter, FT and SL longer, and SF and SA greater in amateur endurance runners, changing step variability, regardless of sex. Additionally, some between-sex differences were found in spatiotemporal parameters and step variability.

Relationship between Running Spatiotemporal Kinematics and Muscle Performance in Well-Trained Youth Female Athletes. A Cross-Sectional Study

“…In addition, CT has been linked as a determinant of leg stiffness, with higher values of leg stiffness associated with shorter CT [61]. The increase in stride angle was also observed at a higher rate, agreeing with those obtained in previous studies [43,60].…”

“…Regarding adaptations of spatiotemporal parameters after the increase in velocity, the results of this study reinforced the findings of previous studies [43,59,60]. Increased running speed has been shown to lead to a reduction in CT (to facilitate the progression of the leg during the oscillation phase to a new contact [59]) and to an increase in step frequency, as a spatiotemporal adaptation needed to run faster [61].…”

Relationship between Step Characteristics and Race Performance during 5000-m Race

“…Firstly, only male Japanese endurance runners were recruited; therefore, the findings cannot be generalized to include runners of other races or other genders. A previous study has reported differences in step characteristics between male and female endurance runners [ 29 ]. Previous studies have also reported race-related differences in step characteristics based on morphological variations [ 13 , 14 ].…”

“…The SL of two gait cycles on each lap was averaged. The mean coefficient of variation ± SD of SL for each lap was 1.7 ± 0.4%, and SL was normalized to body height (BH) to minimize the effect of body size [ 2 , 29 ]. Moreover, the instantaneous running speed (m/sec) was calculated by multiplying SF by SL.…”

The effect of two retraining programs, barefoot running vs increasing cadence, on kinematic parameters: A randomized controlled trial

“…31 The parameters obtained were; contact time (CT), and its three subparts, landing time (from the footstrike until the whole foot is in contact with the ground), midstance time (from when the whole foot is in contact until the heel is off the ground), propulsive time (from the moment the heel is off the ground until the foot is completely off the ground). In addition, flight time (FT), step length (SL), and cadence were recorded, which were previously defined by García-Pinillos et al 32…”