Biomechanics of Distance Running: Caliber of Runner on Step Frequency

ISBN-10
1321099304
ISBN-13
9781321099300
Category
Human mechanics
Pages
40
Language
English
Published
2014
Author
Lisa C. Becharas

Description

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if higher caliber collegiate distance runners (n=22) run at a higher step frequency at various speeds compared to those of lesser caliber. Method: Subjects ran at four speeds for 2-minute bouts. Females ran at 7.6 mile per hour (mph), 8.9mph, 10.3mph, and 85% of 5k personal record (PR) and the males ran at 8.9 mph, 10.3 mph, 11 mph, and 85% of 5k PR. During the last minute of each bout of running step frequency was measured using video recording. Results: Females and males had an average 5k PR of 19:08+/-51.6 seconds and 16:31+/-36.9 seconds, respectively. Caliber of runner (5k PR) was moderately correlated to step frequency at 8.9 and 10.3 mph (r=.63 and r=.59 respectively) when both genders were grouped together. For males there was a moderate correlation between caliber of runner and step frequency across all speeds (r≥0.50). For females there was no significant correlation at any speed. At all common speeds the males ran at a significantly lower step frequency compared to the females (p=.05). At speed of 8.9 mph, 10.3 mph, and 85% of 5k PR the males and females ran at significantly different step frequencies (p≤.05). There was a moderate negative correlation between step frequency and leg length at 8.9 mph (r=-0.71), and a strong correlation at 10.3 mph (r=-0.81), 11mph (r=-0.77), and 85% 5k PR (r=-0.66). Discussion: The data suggest that there is a negative relationship between caliber of distance runner and step frequency in males; suggesting that the better the runner the less steps they take over the various training speeds. Also, males take longer steps compared to females and this could possibly be due to the males having longer legs.

Get the book

Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Search the book
eBay.com
eBay.com
Search the book

Other editions

Similar books