Reference Values and Determinants of Spatiotemporal and Kinetic Variables in Recreational Runners

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Medicine
• Running Science

Background:

• Atypical lower limb biomechanics can lead to running-related injuries.
• Lack of reference values for spatiotemporal and kinetic variables hinders clinical management in healthy recreational runners.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide speed- and sex-stratified reference values for spatiotemporal and kinetic variables in healthy recreational runners.
• To identify determinants of these biomechanical variables.
• To develop reference regression equations for clinical guidance.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive laboratory study involving 860 healthy recreational runners.
• Measurement of 12 spatiotemporal and kinetic variables using an instrumented treadmill.
• Calculation of reference values stratified by sex and running speed, with correlation and regression analyses.

Main Results:

• Running speed was the primary determinant of biomechanical variables, showing high correlations (r > 0.7).
• Adjusted R-squared values for regression equations ranged from 0.19 to 0.88.
• Reference values for spatiotemporal and kinetic variables were established.

Conclusions:

• The study provides essential reference values and regression equations for interpreting running biomechanics in recreational runners.
• These data can assist clinicians and researchers in identifying atypical biomechanics potentially linked to running injuries.