Influencia de los parámetros biomecánicos en el rendimiento y la economía de corredores de fondo aficionados

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between running biomechanics, running economy and performance in recreational long distance runners. Additionally, determine if there is any change in running biomechanical parameters that coincides with the anaerobic threshold. Ten recreational runners performed an anthropometric evaluation, a battery of vertical jumps, a running economy test and a maximal incremental test. Both running tests were performed in a treadmill, registering simultaneously physiological (ventilation and heart rate) and biomechanical (contact and flight times, stride length and rate, “duty factor”) parameters. A relationship between running biomechanics (step length and rate), running economy and performance was obtained. Furthermore, the appearance of the ventilatory anaerobic threshold was related with changes in running biomechanics (mainly with “duty factor” and step length). The relationships between anthropometry and vertical jumps’ parameters, running economy and performance still consistent with those identified in previous studies, as well as the relationship between running economy and performance. Future studies should be done with a higher level sample to contrast these findings.