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Int J Sports Med 2013; 34(03): 244-247
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1323724
Training & Testing
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Footstep Manipulation during Uphill Running

J. Padulo
1   Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
2   CONI Sardinia, Italian Regional Olympic Committee, Cagliari, Italy
,
N. Degortes
2   CONI Sardinia, Italian Regional Olympic Committee, Cagliari, Italy
,
G. M. Migliaccio
2   CONI Sardinia, Italian Regional Olympic Committee, Cagliari, Italy
,
G. Attene
3   Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
,
L. Smith
4   School of Health, Sport and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Salford, Salford, United Kingdom
,
G. Salernitano
5   Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
,
G. Annino
1   Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
,
S. D’Ottavio
1   Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History



accepted after revision 19 July 2012

Publication Date:
12 September 2012 (online)

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Abstract

The present study investigated the effects of step frequency manipulation during training on slopes (2%) on biomechanical parameters at Iso-Efficiency Speed (without increasing the metabolic demand). 24 male marathon runners were randomly allocated to one of 2 training groups for 3 weeks: step frequency manipulation group (SFM, n=12) and free step frequency group (SFF, n=12). Lower limb kinematic parameters were measured before and after the 3 weeks training. The SFM group increased step length 4.30% (p<0.001), flight time 29.48% (p<0.001) and decreased contact time 14% (p<0.01). These findings coincide with characteristics of better running performances. The SFF group did not elicit such results. The results from the study could help coaches to devise training methods which could improve an athlete’s performance through increasing step length. The method provided may aid faster race times for athletes.

Key words

uphill training - Iso-Efficiency speed - kinematics - distance running
 

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