Variations of Trail Runner’s Fitness Measures across a Season and Relationships with Workload

Abstract

Trail running involves off-road running over different surfaces of positive and negative unevenness. Given these particularities and the associated physical demands, it is essential to understand this relationship and how fitness levels influence performance. This study aimed to analyze fitness level variations during different times of the season and establish a relationship between changes in fitness levels and accumulated load. Twenty-five trail running athletes (age: 36.23 ± 8.30 years) were monitored over 52 weeks. Three periods of assessment were implemented, while load between those periods was calculated. Athletes were monitored daily by global positioning systems. The collected data included distance covered, duration, and rate of perceived exertion (RPE), which were used to obtain session-RPE. Additionally, maximal aerobic speed, vertical jump, and dynamic balance were tested periodically. Moderate inverse correlations were found between assessment 1 and 2 for total sRPE and vertical jump: countermovement jump (VJ: CMJ) (r = −0.349), and Y balance test: left posterolateral (YBT: LPL) (r = −0.494). Similar correlations were found between assessment 2 and 3 for total sRPE and VJ: CMJ (r = −0.397), and vertical jump: drop jump (VJ: DJ) (r = −0.395). The results suggest that trail running coaches should monitor and assess dose–response relationships and possible anterior asymmetries of dynamic balance performance.

Literatur Review: Pencegahan Cedera Dan Rehabilitasi Pada Pelari Trail

“…Secara keseluruhan penyebab cedera dapat bersifat akut maupun akibat repetitif mikro-trauma dimana kedua kondisi tersebut sama-sama memberikan beban pada tubuh saat berlari. (12) Selain itu, atlet yang melakukan olahraga ini membutuhkan tingkat kebugaran yang baik untuk menunjang performanya dalam menghadapi lintasan yang tidak rata. (13) Adanya perubahan dalam kecepatan lari (saat menanjak ataupun menuruni lintasan) serta panjang lintasan yang jarang dilintasi.…”

“…Respon neuromotor diaktifkan untuk bereaksi terhadap gangguan atau hambatan di jalur tanpa perencanaan sebelumnya. (12) Material permukaan jalur (kerikil, tanah, atau dataran yang keras) dikatakan bukan merupakan faktor yang terkait dengan kekuatan tumbukan pada otot dan kemungkinan besar bukan merupakan mekanisme cedera utama. Namun kekuatan otot yang tidak memadai, defisit dalam kontrol neuromotor pada sendi ekstremitas bawah dan gerakan abnormal pada sendi yang terbeban merupakan mekanisme potensial.…”

“…(16) Apabila terjadi cedera yang berulang maka kondisi tersebut dapat menyebabkan ketidakstabilan fungsional pergelangan kaki, yang ditandai dengan perubahan yang signifikan pola gerakan pergelangan kaki dan lutut. (12) Selain hal-hal di atas maka pembeban pada sendi juga menjadi salah satu faktor penyebab terjadi cidera pada pelari trail. Dibandingkan dengan berlari menanjak maka lari menuruni bukit menghasilkan akselerasi puncak vertikal dan transversal yang lebih besar pada tibia, terutama sepanjang aspek anteromedial.…”

Resistance Exercise for Improving Running Economy and Running Biomechanics and Decreasing Running-Related Injury Risk: A Narrative Review

“…Future studies could investigate if RE can ameliorate this decrease. Recent research indicates that muscle strength and power tests may be sensitive to the running-related workload [ 85 ]. In addition to classic RE, uphill running training may also improve running economy [ 86 ].…”