Running performance: Influence of Footwear and Fatigue
We are currently engaged in a comprehensive research aimed at determining the interplay of footwear and fatigue on running performance.
To achieve this, we are employing a combination of advanced biomechanical and physiological assessment tools. Within biomechanics, the utilisation of Marker-based motion capture systems stands as the universally accepted gold standard in gait analysis laboratories worldwide. Our focus centers around the intricate multi-articulate structure of the spine, encompassing the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar segments.
By investigating the individual reactions of these segments and their interrelationships during running gait, we aim to enhance our comprehension of the spine’s role in this dynamic process. Moreover, we seek to ascertain whether manipulating the interaction between the spine and other segments, such as the pelvis, holds potential performance benefits during running. Notably, prior studies utilizing motion capture techniques predominantly treated the spine as a rigid entity or concentrated solely on thoracic movement. Furthermore, assessments of trunk movement often centred on its relationship with the pelvis, offering limited insight into the individual contributions of these segments to relative motion.
Our innovative approach involves leveraging kinematic data to gain insights into how running on a treadmill, at varying speeds and inclinations, influences the coordination and control between the multi-segment spine and pelvis in both recreational and sub-elite runners. Additionally, we are investigating the impact of an acute localised fatigue protocol on this coordination and control during treadmill running, comparing recreational athletes with their sub-elite counterparts.