Mechanics Of Running Grade Ability

Variation exists between runners in their ability to run uphill versus downhill. The determination of what leads one runner being more economical at grade another may be due biomechanical, physiological, neuromechanical, or perhaps other factors. PURPOSE: In this study, we focused on determining whether certain running mechanics would predict a runner’s perform downhill running. METHODS: Twenty-one experienced ran uphill, level, and while having oxygen uptake measured. Conditions were performed random order repeated second day. Speeds selected with the intent have similar efforts average for each grade. Runners used Saucony TypeA shoe all conditions. Oxygen measures averaged over final three minutes five condition. A best-fitting line was generated through classify uphill/downhill ability. steepness slope indicated Various measured using Vicon Nexus Bertec treadmill. linear regression determined any correlations peak vertical force, stride rate, plantar velocity, ground time against RESULTS: Peak force only factor associated (t = 3.05, R2 0.53, p < 0.01). 0.076 ± 0.278 ((ml/kg/min)/%grade) slopes ranging from -0.39 0.57 ((ml/kg/min)/%grade). CONCLUSIONS: that prefer greater reaction level during than uphill.