Kinematical and Physiological Responses of Overground Running Gait Pattern at Different Intensities

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Biomechanics
• Sports Science

Background:

• Understanding running mechanics across intensity spectrums is crucial for performance and injury prevention.
• Kinematic variables and physiological responses during overground running require further characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze biomechanical and physiological adaptations in middle- and long-distance runners.
• To investigate changes in kinematic variables and physiological markers across a range of running intensities.

Main Methods:

• Ten runners performed an incremental intermittent running protocol to exhaustion.
• Biomechanical data were collected using high-resolution video analysis.
• Kinematic variables (stride, step, flight times, joint angles) and physiological markers (oxygen uptake, blood lactate) were measured.

Main Results:

• Increased running intensity led to decreased stride, step, and contact times.
• Stride length, stride frequency, and flight time increased with intensity (p < 0.05).
• Oxygen uptake and blood lactate concentrations rose significantly, alongside increased hip and knee flexion at key points.

Conclusions:

• Runners exhibit continuous adaptation in gait patterns across varying intensities.
• Biomechanical and physiological responses are intrinsically linked and crucial for a comprehensive understanding of running.
• Minor gait pattern changes were observed, suggesting a robust underlying running strategy.