Variables antropométricas, fisiológicas y bimecáni- cas determinantes del rendimiento en corredores de media maratón

Abstract

The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of anthropometric, physiological and biomechanical factors on long-distance running performance. Forty-eight runners participated in the study and were classified into 4 groups according to their performance level in half-marathon (hh:mm:ss): Group 1 (n=11, <1:10:00), Group 2 (n=13, <1:20:00), Group 3 (n=13, <1:30:00), Group 4 (n=11, <1:45:00). They performed an anthropometric evaluation, a submaximal running economy test and a maximal incremental test. Both running test were performed on a treadmill, registering simultaneously physiological and biomechanical (spatio-temporal) parameters. Significant differences between groups and correlations with performance were obtained with training-related variables (experience and km/week), anthropometrics (mass, BMI and sum of skinfolds), physiological (VO2max, anaerobic threshold and running economy) and biomechanical (contact times in submaximal test; contact times and step length in incremental test). Differences in contact times could be explained by the different runners’ foot strike patterns (rearfoot vs midfoot/forefoot), speed where physiological variables were obtained (thresholds and VO2max), and to a less extend, to performance level. Thus, except from step length, the rest of biomechanical variables have shown to be not very sensitive to long-distance running performance.