Changes in running pattern due to fatigue and cognitive load in orienteering.

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Human Movement Analysis

Background:

• Fatigue is known to alter running biomechanics.
• The specific effects of fatigue during complex tasks like map reading in orienteering are less understood.
• Cognitive load can influence motor performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of fatigue on running biomechanics.
• To compare biomechanics during normal running, running with a cognitive task (mental arithmetic), and running while map reading.
• To identify differences between elite and less experienced orienteers.

Main Methods:

• Nineteen orienteers (elite and less experienced) underwent a fatiguing treadmill running protocol.
• Kinematic and kinetic parameters were analyzed during three conditions: mental arithmetic, orienteering simulation (map reading), and control running.
• Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare biomechanical data.

Main Results:

• No significant biomechanical differences were found between mental arithmetic and control running conditions.
• Running biomechanics significantly differed during the orienteering simulation compared to the other two conditions.
• Elite orienteers exhibited more pronounced adaptations in step frequency, ground reaction force, and center of mass displacement during map reading.

Conclusions:

• Adding a cognitive load (mental arithmetic) does not alter running patterns.
• Changes in running biomechanics during map reading are likely adaptations for efficient navigation and injury prevention.
• Fatigue's effect on running patterns is moderated by the presence of a map-reading task, particularly in elite athletes.