Abstract
Background: This study assesses curved track effects on fatigue symmetry and lower limb muscle activity while taking maximum velocity running kinematics into account. Methods: Polish master class athletes were examined (age 24.6 ± 3.67 years, bm 78.9 ± 6.02 kg, and bh 186.1 ± 6.63 cm). The measurements were made on a 400 m synthetic surface athletics track. The DelSys 16 channel system was employed to measure the activity of the right and left leg muscles. The kinematic variables of the run were obtained using a 3-axis accelerometer built into the recorder. Results: The study revealed curved track effects on asymmetric muscle activity and running kinematics in the first two sections of the run. On the first curve, the symmetry index (SI) was 8.1%, while in on straight, it was 11.5%. Moreover, significantly lower values of the fatigue index b were found for the right limb (F(3.36) = 6.504; p = 0.0152). Conclusions: A reduction of asymmetric muscle activity is linked with compensatory muscle stimulation triggered by the nervous system and with adjusting running kinematics to changing external conditions. Therefore, the main focus further research should be on the optimal interaction between stride length and frequency in relation to the muscle activity corresponding to the track geometry.
Highlights
Numerous studies have indicated that athletics track geometry affects running kinematics
Together with an increase velocity, there is a decrease in stride duration [7,8,9,10] and in ground contact time [7,9]; it indicates that maintaining the body in the lane is possible due to proper muscle activity
The question arises as to whether the specificity of training in elite athletes may contribute to the development of compensatory effects that would act as preventive measures, e.g., different running kinematics in particular sections resulting from different muscle activity adjusted to external conditions
Summary
Numerous studies have indicated that athletics track geometry affects running kinematics. Together with an increase velocity, there is a decrease in stride duration [7,8,9,10] and in ground contact time [7,9]; it indicates that maintaining the body in the lane is possible due to proper muscle activity. The above studies indirectly indicate that diverse running track geometries affect muscle activity, i.e., different muscle activity means that fatigue is different in the inside and outside leg. This may lead to overloading effects as well as injuries in one of the limbs.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
