ORIGINAL ARTICLE   

Gazzetta Medica Italiana - Archivio per le Scienze Mediche 2019 June;178(6):403-10

DOI: 10.23736/S0393-3660.18.03863-9

Copyright © 2018 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

lingua: Inglese

Gender differences of running kinematics and economy in trained distance runners

Viktor BIELIK ✉

Department of Sports Kinanthropology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to determine whether there is a difference in some biomechanical and physiological variables between male and female runners when constant running speed is maintained. We further asked whether treadmill and track running mechanics vary.
METHODS: Stride frequency, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, running economy and breathing frequency during treadmill and stride frequency during track running conditions were compared in seventy three active runners (49 males and 24 females).
RESULTS: No difference in vertical oscillation and ground contact time between the groups of participants when running at the same velocity was found, independent of running condition. Compared to male runners, women runners demonstrate a higher stride frequency, frequency of breathing and better running economy during treadmill and higher stride frequency on track at velocity of 10, 12, and 15 km/h. There were no significant differences of stride frequency at given running speed between laboratory and field in male and female group as well.
CONCLUSIONS: Given that there are gender differences in some running kinematics and physiological variables it is advisable to distinguish recommendation for optimal running technic in woman athlete.

KEY WORDS: Running; Exercise test; Track and field