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Spatiotemporal parameters and kinematics differ between race stages in trail running-a field study
Matteo Genitrini1, Julian Fritz2, Thomas Stöggl3
1Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Salzburg, Hallein-Rif, Austria.
Frontiers in Sports and Active Living
|July 9, 2024
Summary
Trail running performance declines in the final stage, with reduced speed and altered kinematics. Coaches should focus on incline-specific techniques to improve efficiency during uphill and downhill running.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
Background:
- Trail running is a growing sport with limited research on its biomechanical demands.
- Understanding how running technique changes during a trail race is crucial for performance optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in spatiotemporal parameters (STP) and kinematics between the initial and final stages of a trail running trial.
- To compare these changes in both uphill and downhill sections.
Main Methods:
- Twenty trail runners completed a 9.1 km trial wearing a GPS watch and an IMU-based motion capture system.
- Spatiotemporal parameters and kinematics were analyzed and compared between the initial and final stages for uphill and downhill sections.
Main Results:
- Running speed decreased in the final stage. Contact time and duty factor increased, while stride length and flight time decreased in both uphill and downhill sections.
- Kinematic analysis revealed significant changes in ankle, knee, and hip joint movements, as well as trunk posture, in the final stage.
- Uphill sections showed increased ankle dorsiflexion and forward trunk lean, while downhill sections exhibited reduced knee extension and trunk contralateral axial rotation.
Conclusions:
- The final stage of trail running is characterized by reduced propulsion efficiency in both uphill and downhill sections.
- Dissimilar kinematic changes can lead to similar spatiotemporal parameter alterations, highlighting the complexity of trail running biomechanics.
- Coaches and practitioners should tailor training to address incline-specific running technique modifications for improved trail running performance.
