Research Commons
      • Browse 
        • Communities & Collections
        • Titles
        • Authors
        • By Issue Date
        • Subjects
        • Types
        • Series
      • Help 
        • About
        • Collection Policy
        • OA Mandate Guidelines
        • Guidelines FAQ
        • Contact Us
      • My Account 
        • Sign In
        • Register
      View Item 
      •   Research Commons
      • University of Waikato Research
      • Health, Sport and Human Performance
      • Health, Sport and Human Performance Papers
      • View Item
      •   Research Commons
      • University of Waikato Research
      • Health, Sport and Human Performance
      • Health, Sport and Human Performance Papers
      • View Item
      JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

      The effects of running a 12-km race on neuromuscular performance measures in recreationally competitive runners

      Murray, Lauralee; Beaven, Christopher Martyn; Hébert-Losier, Kim
      Thumbnail
      Files
      Murray (2019) The effects of running a 12-km race.pdf
      Accepted version, 385.5Kb
      DOI
       10.1016/j.gaitpost.2019.03.025
      Find in your library  
      Citation
      Export citation
      Murray, L., Beaven, C. M., & Hébert-Losier, K. (2019). The effects of running a 12-km race on neuromuscular performance measures in recreationally competitive runners. Gait & Posture, 70, 341–346. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2019.03.025
      Permanent Research Commons link: https://hdl.handle.net/10289/13038
      Abstract
      Background

      The number of individuals participating in organised races is increasing, with few studies undertaken in ecologically-valid settings. Running involves cyclical movements and activation of lower-extremity muscles, with fatigue and foot-strike pattern proposed as factors contributing to running-related injuries.

      Research question

      Our aim was to investigate the effects of running a 12-km race on plantar pressure distribution, postural balance, foot-strike pattern, and plantar-flexion strength. A secondary aim was to compare actual versus anticipated race finishing times and foot-strike patterns.

      Methods

      Twenty-four recreationally competitive runners (15 males, 9 females) completed the following tests immediately before and after a 12-km race: (1) plantar pressure distribution in self-selected bilateral stance; (2) 30-seconds eyes-closed feet-together postural balance; (3) running foot-strike angle; and (4) peak plantar-flexion isometric force. In-race foot-strike angle and patterns were also assessed at 3 and 10 km.

      Results

      Post-race left and right foot plantar pressure distribution, postural balance, and plantar-flexion force measures significantly differed from pre-race measures. These changes were associated with small to large standardised effects (absolute ES: 0.42 to 0.94). On average, the relative pressure under the left foot decreased by 3.2 ± 5.0%; the centre of pressure path length and area of the 95th percentile ellipse from the balance test increased by 5.7 ± 8.9 cm and 18.2 ± 21.3 cm2; and peak plantar-flexion isometric force decreased by 0.23 ± 0.28 times body weight. Participants predicted their finishing times relatively well, but not their foot-strike patterns. No meaningful change in foot-strike angle or pattern was observed pre- to post-race, or between 3 and 10 km.

      Significance

      Running a 12-km race influenced neuromuscular measures, confirming racing-induced fatigue in our recreationally competitive runners. However, these alterations did not lead to observable changes in foot-strike pattern, indicating that this measure might not be appropriate for quantifying fatigue in recreationally competitive runners.
      Date
      2019
      Type
      Journal Article
      Publisher
      Elsevier
      Rights
      This is an author’s accepted version of an article published in the journal: Gait & Posture. © 2019 Elsevier.
      Collections
      • Health, Sport and Human Performance Papers [125]
      Show full item record  

      Usage

      Downloads, last 12 months
      143
       
       
       

      Usage Statistics

      For this itemFor all of Research Commons

      The University of Waikato - Te Whare Wānanga o WaikatoFeedback and RequestsCopyright and Legal Statement