FATIGUE-RELATED ASYMMETRY AND INSTABILITY DURING A 3200-M TIME-TRIAL PERFORMANCE IN HEALTHY RUNNERS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine fatigue effects on symmetry and stability during a maximal effort running time-trial m). Recreational runners had continuous recordings of 3D trunk acceleration parameters (spatio-temporal, RMS vector ratio, step symmetry, and stride regularity) during the lT. Statistical analysis was carried out using generalised estimating equations (GEE) to investigate longitudinal changes (laps two to eight) compared to baseline (lap one), while statistically adjusting for running speed. Runners had significantly longer contact times (4m lap onwards), higher mediolateral root mean square (RMS) ratio (3d lap onwards), lower vertical symmetry and vertical RMS ratio (final lap). Coaches could use these results to recognize, minimize, and delay fatigue related onset of asymmetries and instabilities possibly through training strategies.