Abstract
Economical walking is defined by the steady state of oxygen consumption with top speed and technique in competition is one of the most important factors to achieve higher performance for Pedestrians. The technique of race walking which is defined by World Athletics race walking competitions rules 230.54.2 not a naturally obtained human skill as normal walking and running of childhood. The purpose of the study was to analyze the association and relation of race velocity with aerobic capacity and kinematic properties. Top 10 race walkers of 10000m race walk discipline (Men- U 20), from 33<sup>rd</sup> National Junior Athletic Championships, Nov, 2017 held at Acharya Nagarjuna University, Vijaywada, A. P. India were digitized as the subject. For kinematic analysis, athletes were recorded as they passed through halfway 4.55 KM at back straight on the 400 m track by using two standard digital HD camcorders (Nikon B700, 60Hz) mounted on rigid tripods 90° angle 4 m away from the track inside & outside where reference volume was 5 m long and 1.5 m high. Whereas to measure Vo<sub>2</sub> Max athletes’ performance were taken as they passed through 1.5 miles or 2414.02 m on the track. The video data were analyzed by using motion analysis software (KINOVEA). Descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient (<i>p</i><0.05) were employed for statistical calculation. The tabulation of data was done by using the IBM SPSS software. The result of the study showed that the correlation between race performance and VO<sub>2</sub> max was quite high, r (8df) = 0.726. A Strong relationship was found between step length and RW performance, i.e. r (8df) = 0.689. Whereas variables like, flight time, linearity, maximum knee and foot height of swing leg were positively correlated with the walking performance. A high degree positive association was located in the torso and pelvic displacement r = 0.768 & 0.804 respectively. In toe off phase “r” value of knee angle with performance was 0.742 that showed a high degree coefficient of correlation. Whereas at heel contact and mid stance phase a low degree negative correlation found (r = -0.489& -0.406). Most of the calculated “r” values were significant as the critical value of 8 df at 0.05 level is 0.631. Due to the direct association of race walking velocity (Mean = 3.427 m/s & SD = 0.235) with VO<sub>2</sub> max, step length, knee angle, torso & pelvic displacement may be this type of result found indifferent phases. Race walking performance was positively associated with the race walking economy (kinematic and physiologic variables), which implies that the fastest race walkers were more economical than the lesser performers. In relation to RW technique and forward propulsion, displacement of torso and pelvic region observed a significant role.
Highlights
IntroductionRace walking is governed by strict biomechanical rules, as athletes are not allowed to have any visible loss of contact with the ground and must maintain a straightened knee from the initial contact with the ground until the vertical upright position [17]
Economical walking is defined by the steady state of oxygen consumption with top speed and technique in competition is one of the most important factors to achieve higher performance for Pedestrians
Race walking performance was positively associated with the race walking economy, which implies that the fastest race walkers were more economical than the lesser performers
Summary
Race walking is governed by strict biomechanical rules, as athletes are not allowed to have any visible loss of contact with the ground and must maintain a straightened knee from the initial contact with the ground until the vertical upright position [17] The result of this is a distinct gait pattern and the need of endurance capacity, and a great technical ability to perform at elite level [5, 6]. Non-peer reviewed evidence suggests that when race walking, the optimum foot position at initial contact is directly under the center of mass, as a foot ahead approaching zero would result in considerably reduced braking forces and, help maintain forward momentum [15] This would lead to a subsequent reduction in step length, which contrasts with research suggesting that larger step lengths would contribute to faster race walking speeds in elite race walkers [7, 9]. A theoretical framework of which variables are most important to race walking success can be considered and used by athletes and coaches to highlight indicators of success and relevant strengths and weaknesses
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