The aim of study was to examine the effects of the World's most challenging mountain ultra-marathon (Tor des Geants, TdG) on running mechanics. Mechanical measurements were undertaken in male runners (n=16) and a control group (n=8) before (PRE-), during (MID-) and after (POST-) TdG. Contact (tc) and aerial (ta) times, step frequency (f) and running velocity (v) were sampled. Spring-mass parameters of peak vertical ground reaction force (Fmax), vertical downward displacement of the center of mass (Δz), leg length change (ΔL), vertical (kvert) and leg (kleg) stiffness were computed. Significant decreases were observed in runners between PRE- and MID- for ta (p<0.001), Fmax (p<0.001), Δz (p<0.05) and Kleg (p<0.01). In contrast, f significantly increased (p<0.05) between PRE- and MID-TdG. No further changes were observed at POST for any of those variables, with the exception of Kleg which went back to PRE. During the TdG, experienced runners modified their running pattern and spring-mass behavior mainly during the first half. The present results suggest that these mechanical changes aim at minimizing the pain occurring in lower limbs mainly during the eccentric phases. One cannot rule out that this switch to a "safer" technique may also aim to anticipate further damages.

Running mechanics during the world's most challenging mountain ultra-marathon

SCHENA, Federico;
2016-01-01

Abstract

The aim of study was to examine the effects of the World's most challenging mountain ultra-marathon (Tor des Geants, TdG) on running mechanics. Mechanical measurements were undertaken in male runners (n=16) and a control group (n=8) before (PRE-), during (MID-) and after (POST-) TdG. Contact (tc) and aerial (ta) times, step frequency (f) and running velocity (v) were sampled. Spring-mass parameters of peak vertical ground reaction force (Fmax), vertical downward displacement of the center of mass (Δz), leg length change (ΔL), vertical (kvert) and leg (kleg) stiffness were computed. Significant decreases were observed in runners between PRE- and MID- for ta (p<0.001), Fmax (p<0.001), Δz (p<0.05) and Kleg (p<0.01). In contrast, f significantly increased (p<0.05) between PRE- and MID-TdG. No further changes were observed at POST for any of those variables, with the exception of Kleg which went back to PRE. During the TdG, experienced runners modified their running pattern and spring-mass behavior mainly during the first half. The present results suggest that these mechanical changes aim at minimizing the pain occurring in lower limbs mainly during the eccentric phases. One cannot rule out that this switch to a "safer" technique may also aim to anticipate further damages.
2016
spring-mass behavior, ultra-marathon, anticipatory adaptations, sleep deprivation, safer technic
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11562/947201
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