RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RUNNING KINEMATICS AND PERFORMANCE IN ELITE TRIATHLETES

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the running kinematics of Elite, U23 and Junior triathletes and their relationships to performance during an Olympic or sprint distance race. A total of 238 male and female triathletes were analysed to determine ground contact time, flight time, stride rate, stride length, foot-strike type and velocity for each lap and an overall representative mean created for each variable across the race. Women displayed notably greater differences in kinematics between Junior and Elite fields than was observed in the men. Large correlations were observed for running performance with contact time (r = 0.500-0.580, p < 0.001) and stride length (r = 0.552-0.664, p < 0.001). Analysis of foot strike type revealed a significant interaction with contact time, with heel strike longer than mid-foot strike, but no relationship with running velocity.