Running Performance Research Articles

2024: anticipating record-breaking performances in front crawl swimming through mathematical analysis.

Introduction: This study presented a novel approach to predict future front crawl swimming world records (WRs) by employing a methodology that integrated performance data from both running and front crawl swimming. Methods: By extracting the top one running and swimming performances from 1995 to 2023 and applying a model that correlates physiological characteristics such as maximum aerobic power, anaerobic capacity, the decrement in maximum power with prolonged effort, and performance speed and duration, it was possible to project the potential record-breaking performances in 2024 across various swimming distances for both male and female athletes. Furthermore, this approach was expected to be less susceptible to the influence of the full-body swimsuit era, which may have disrupted the typical trajectory of swimming performance progression. Results: The average relative error between the top one and estimated speeds in front crawl swimming (50-1,500m, from 1995 to 2023, and for male and female) was 0.56% ± 0.17%. For male, WR in longer distances have been predicted with new WR in the 400 and 800m. A more ambitious prediction was noted among female, with twice as many WR as among male illustrated by new WR in the 50, 200, 400 and 800m. Discussion: This study illustrated that the utilization of a prediction model based on physiological parameters yielded plausible time estimates. Additionally, the research accentuated the ongoing trajectory of surpassing existing WR into 2024, illustrating the competitive zeal fueled by an emerging framework of exceptional swimmers.

Match running performance preceding scoring and conceding a goal in men’s professional soccer

This study aimed to investigate the potential differences in the match running performance of professional soccer players 5 min. before scoring and conceding a goal in the Polish Ekstraklasa. The sample consisted of 278 matches with 570 goals scored during official matches of the 2022/23 Polish Ekstraklasa season. All data was collected utilising the computerised multiple-camera optical tracking system TRACAB. Total distance covered (TD), standing distance (StD; < 0.72 km h−1), walking distance (WD; 0.73–7.2 km h−1), jogging distance (JG; 7.21–14.4 km h−1), running distance (RD; 14.41–19.8 km h−1), high-speed running distance (HSR; 19.81–25.2 km h−1) and sprinting distance (SprD; > 25.2 km h−1) were analysed in 5-min intervals prior to a goal scored for both teams. The employed linear mixed models showed that all examined match-running performance metrics were higher in teams that scored a goal compared to teams that conceded a goal. Within 5 min before scoring a goal in Polish Ekstraklasa matches, the scoring team produced significantly greater TD (∆ 95%CI 256.8–300.4 m; p = 0.001), WD (∆ 95%CI 52.3–95.8 m; p = 0.001), JG (∆ 95%CI 100.5–144.1 m; p = 0.001) and RD (∆ 95%CI 16.2–59.8 m; p = 0.001) compared to the conceding team, although no differences were found for HSR and SprD. These results demonstrate the enhanced identification potential of key physical performance factors influencing goal scoring in the Polish Ekstraklasa, thereby optimising the training process and improving overall performance. To enhance the effectiveness of soccer training, coaching and performance staff should consider this study's findings, that indicate an increase in the volume of medium- and low-intensity running efforts preceding a goal.

Experimental Study on the Removal of Toluene from Water by PTFE Hydrophobic Microporous Membrane Using Air Gap Membrane Distillation Process

Toluene is used for various purposes such as a cleansing agent, paint thinner, lacquers, printing, and leather tanning process. However, it has an adverse effect on human bodies, such as skin irritation, leukemia, respiratory issues, mutagenicity, etc, when the chemical gets mixed in drinking and rainwater by the above routes. Therefore, there is a threat to the environment and society because of the presence of toluene in water bodies through industrial effluent. Henceforth, in this study, toluene is separated from water using the air gap membrane distillation (AGMD) process. The hydrophobic microporous poly-tetra- fluoro-ethylene has been employed for this purpose. Primarily, this work focussed on the study of operating parameters such as feed solution temperature and coolant temperature on the AGMD performance namely permeate flux and toluene selectivity. It was observed that the permeate flux increased exponentially from 2.07 kg/m2h to 9.23 kg/m2h, and 0.94 kg/m2h to 3.53 kg/m2h. However, it was found that the permeate flux decreased from 9.48 kg/m2h to 8.12 kg/m2h, and 3.78 kg/m2h to 2.42 kg/m2h on increasing the coolant temperature from 5°C to 25°C at 3 mm and 11 mm air gap, respectively. The membrane selectivity was found to be less than 1, which signifies the efficient toluene-water separation. In order to study the membrane performance in the long run, the permeate flux was estimated continuously till 60 h wherein the estimated flux was found to be almost constant. The membrane morphology before and after the 60 h experimental run was analysed using capture FE-SEM micrographs. The toluene concentration was estimated using a spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 264 nm.

Impact of Anaerobic Exercise Integrated Into Regular Training on Experienced Judo Athletes: Running Vs. Repetitive Throws.

Kamandulis, S, Dudėnienė, L, Snieckus, A, Kniubaite, A, Mickevicius, M, Lukonaitiene, I, Venckunas, T, Stasiule, L, and Stasiulis, A. Impact of anaerobic exercise integrated into regular training on experienced judo athletes: running vs. repetitive throws. J Strength Cond Res 38(9): e489-e495, 2024-Anaerobic training in high-level athletes is of considerable interest to practitioners aiming to optimize performance. This study compared the impact of interval anaerobic training (IAT) sessions consisting of either high-intensity running or throwing that were performed twice a week together with regular judo training on the anaerobic and aerobic performance of experienced judo athletes. Employing a repeated-measures, counterbalancing, research design, 12 national team judo athletes (7 women and 5 men; mean age, 20.4 ± 0.95 years; mean judo training experience, 13.4 ± 1.4 years; competitive level, black belt first and second Dan) performed each IAT modality for 6 weeks, for a full training cycle of 12 weeks. Assessments of their anaerobic fitness (Cunningham and Faulkner Anaerobic Treadmill Test), sport-specific anaerobic fitness (Special Judo Fitness Test [SJFT]), and aerobic capacity (maximal incremental treadmill running test) were performed before, after 6 weeks, and after 12 weeks of training. The uphill running performance improved by 13.1% over the 12-week period ( p = 0.047). Simultaneously, there was a 9.0% improvement in the SJFT index and a 6.9% increase in the number of throws ( p = 0.011 and p = 0.017, respectively). Although a trend for throwing drills being more effective than interval sprint running was observed, the interaction effect lacked statistical significance ( p = 0.074). Moreover, no substantial changes were noted in aerobic endurance markers. In conclusion, this study suggests that incorporating specific and nonspecific high-intensity drills into a routine training regimen may enhance anaerobic capacity among well-trained judo athletes, potentially leading to favorable competitive outcomes.

Role of midsole hollow structure in energy storage and return in running shoes

Understanding the relationship between footwear features and their potential influence on running performance can inform the ongoing innovation of running footwear, aimed at pushing the limits of humans. A notable shoe feature is hollow structures, where an empty space is created in the midsole. Presently, the potential biomechanical effect of the hollow structures on running performance remains unknown. We investigated the role of hollow structures through quantifying the magnitude and timing of foot and footwear work. Sixteen male rearfoot runners participated in an overground running study in three shoe conditions: (a) a shoe with a hollow structure in the forefoot midsole (FFHS), (b) the same shoe without any hollow structure (Filled-FFHS) and (c) a shoe with a hollow structure in the midfoot midsole (MFHS). Distal rearfoot power was used to quantify the net power generated by foot and footwear together. The magnitude and timing of distal rearfoot work and ankle joint work were compared across shoe conditions. The results indicated that MFHS can significantly (p = 0.024) delay distal rearfoot energy return (3.4 % of stance) when compared to Filled-FFHS. Additionally, FFHS had the greatest positive (0.425 J/kg) and negative (−0.383 J/kg) distal rearfoot work, and the smallest positive (0.503 J/kg) and negative (−0.477 J/kg) ankle joint work among the three conditions. This showed that the size and location of the midsole hollow structure can affect timing and magnitude of energy storage and return. The forefoot hollow shoe feature can effectively increase distal rearfoot work and reduce ankle joint work during running.

Validity of simple field tests as indicators of elite female field hockey match performance.

Due to the change in field hockey match format, the need exits for research to determine whether current fitness test are still valid indicators of match performance. This study aimed to determine the direct validity of the 5-m multistage shuttle test (5-m MST) and Yo-Yo Intermittent recovery level 1 test (Yo-Yo IR1) by correlating their results with external load measures in international field hockey matches. Nineteen female field hockey players completed the 5-m MST and Yo-Yo IR1 before nine matches. Players covered mean distances of 750.3 m±19.6 m (5-m MST) and 1649.7 m±277.6 m (Yo-Yo IR1). Average relative distance, relative player load, and high-intensity activity during matches were 107.8±16.3 m/min, 10.3±1.4 AU/min, and 10.0±3.0%, respectively. The 5-m MST showed small to moderate significant (P<0.05; r=0.21-0.5) correlations with relative distance and high-intensity activity, while the Yo-Yo IR1 only had a small negative significant (P<0.05; r=-0.27) correlation with high-intensity activity. Strong correlations (r>0.51) were found between the 5-m MST and Yo-Yo IR1. The tests demonstrated low direct validity for current field hockey matches due to weak relationships with relative load and running performance. Additionally, the strong correlation between the Yo-Yo IR1 and 5-m MST suggests that both tests may not be necessary to assess match readiness. Coaches should consider using better-validated fitness tests for this population and sport.

Does Environmental, Social and Governance Have an Impact on Stock Performance? A Panel Study of Indian Companies

The present study investigates the impact of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) on firms' profitability in the Indian setting on a sample of 23 firms. The bootstrap corrected fixed effects estimation and inference in the dynamic panel method is employed to investigate the relationship. The dynamic panel results show that the relationship between ESG score and firms' profitability is inconclusive in the short run. However, governance conditions affect firms' investment decisions and the nexus between ESG and firm financial performance in the long run. Therefore, institutional reforms are warranted to stabilise property rights and check parent-client politics for the long-run effects of sustainable environmental governance on firms' profitability.

Study on bridge tower-induced sudden wind and its impact on running performance of high-speed train

Study on bridge tower-induced sudden wind and its impact on running performance of high-speed train

Acute dose-response effect of photobiomodulation therapy on 5-km running performance in trained runners: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study.

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has been advocated as a potential intervention to improve muscle performance and recovery in the health and sports context. However, the short- and long-term effects of PBMT on endurance running performance remain under-researched and controversial. The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute dose-response effect of PBMT with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on endurance performance and rating of perceived exertion (RPE; 6-20 Borg) during a 5-km running trial in recreational runners. In a crossover design, eighteen young adult runners (28.7 ± 7.8 years) were randomized to receive 1 of 4 PBMT conditions (placebo, 300, 900, and 1260 Joules [J]) 60min before the 5-km running trial on four occasions, separated by a 2-wk washout period. The treatments were applied to the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gastrocnemius muscles of both legs using a device containing 200 LEDs (100 red and 100 infrared). The following variables were assessed: endurance performance (i.e. total time, mean velocity, and velocity in the split distances at the initial 200m and every 400m lap) and RPE in the split distances at the initial 200m and every 400m lap. Data normality and homogeneity were tested using Shapiro-Wilk's and Levene's tests, respectively. Differences between treatment conditions were assessed using the analysis of variance tests (one- or two-way ANOVA, depending on the comparisons), complemented by the Bonferroni post hoc test. There were significant time effects for the running velocity and RPE in the split distances (p < 0.0001), with no significant treatment-by-time interaction (running velocity, p = 0.59; RPE, p = 0.95). The mean velocity (p = 0.997), total time (p = 0.998), and total mean of the RPE (p = 0.91) were similar between treatment conditions. In conclusion, acute PBMT with LEDs at doses of 300, 900, and 1260J is not recommended for improving endurance performance and RPE in the 5-km running trial in recreational runners.

The effect of forward postural lean on running economy, kinematics, and muscle activation.

Running economy, commonly defined as the metabolic energy demand for a given submaximal running speed, is strongly associated with distance running performance. It is commonly believed among running coaches and runners that running with increased forward postural lean either from the ankle or waist improves running economy. However, recent biomechanical research suggests using a large forward postural lean during running may impair running economy due to increased demand on the leg muscles. This study tests the effect of altering forward postural lean and lean strategy on running economy, kinematics, and muscle activity. 16 healthy young adult runners (23±5 years, 8M/8F) ran on a motorized treadmill at 3.58m/s using three postural lean angles [upright, moderate lean (50% of maximal lean angle), and maximal lean] and two strategies (lean from ankle and lean from waist [trunk lean]). Metabolic energy consumption, leg kinematics, and muscle activation data were recorded for all trials. Regardless of lean strategy, running with an increased forward postural lean (up to 8±2 degrees) increased metabolic cost (worsened economy) by 8% (p < .001), increased hip flexion (p < .001), and increased gluteus maximus (p = .016) and biceps femoris (p = .02) muscle activation during the stance phase. This relation between running economy and postural lean angle was similar between the ankle and trunk lean strategies (p = .743). Running with a large forward postural lean reduced running economy and increased reliance on less efficient extensor leg muscles. In contrast, running with a more upright or moderate forward postural lean may be more energetically optimal, and lead to improved running performance.

Running performance of substitutes in the FIFA World Cup after the change in substitution rule: influence of match outcome, playing position and sex

ABSTRACT This study intended to investigate the impact of substitution rule change on the physical performance in World Cup tournaments. Running data from the 2022 and 2023 FIFA World Cups were used for analysis. The results show that substitutes have much more sprinting, high-speed running and moderate speed running per minute than starters (p < 0.05), with similar magnitudes of differences for the men’s (28.4–47.6%) and women’s World Cup (23.4–59.5%). Substitutes in winning vs losing teams had higher sprint distance (3.7 vs 2.8 m· min−1) and number of high-speed running (1.70 vs 1.58 times· min−1) in men’s World Cup and higher sprint distance (3.3 vs 2.5 m· min−1) in women’s World Cup. In the men’s World Cup, substituted midfielders had a higher frequency and greater distance covered with high-speed running (1.85 vs 1.57 and 1.44 times· min−1; 10.1 vs 8.9 and 7.8 m· min−1) and higher sprint frequency (0.74 vs 0.71 and 0.62 times· min−1) compared to forwards and defenders, which was not the case for the Women’s World Cup. Together, this study underlines the importance of substitutions for the team running performance in modern elite football under the new substitution rules, and practitioners need to pay attention to the use of substitute players under the new rules.

“Run Forrest Run!”: Measuring the Impact of App-Enabled Performance and Social Feedback on Athletic and Usage Outcomes

Exercise-tracking apps are digital tools for delivering personalized behavioral interventions. Despite the growing usage of exercise applications, the efficacy of in-exercise app features in driving usage and athletic outcomes remains poorly understood. To remain competitive, sports organizations now need to leverage tracking tools to efficiently allocate resources and streamline training regimens and interventions for their core assets (i.e., athletes). In response to these operational needs, we examine two specific forms of such in-exercise interventions, namely performance feedback and social feedback. We conducted an 18-month-long field study with 1,037 uniformed group servicemen to assess the effect of these feedback types on running and usage outcomes. Results from the field study provided evidence that these two app features improved the servicemen’s running times and frequency of application usage, on average. Contrary to the common belief that more features are better, the joint usage of two feedback features does not produce additive effects. Tests at more granular levels suggest that users who received both feedback types in exercise episodes exhibit overconfidence behavior by participating in fewer subsequent exercises. The receipt of both feedback may be redundant and can cause user annoyance. Heterogeneity tests revealed that while performance feedback benefited most runners, social features were effective only for already stronger runners. Also, only positive social feedback had a significant impact on running performance. The results further indicate that performance feedback generated a slow but sustained increase in usage frequency, while social feedback spurred quick initial growth in usage but dwindled in effectiveness over time. Implications for theory and practice, as well as directions for further research, are discussed.

Streamflow prediction in ungauged basins: How dissimilar are drainage basins?

Hydrological processes leading to flow in river channels are extremely complex, which is why we cannot use any fundamental law to fully explain river flow dynamics at basin scale. The general approach for hydrological modelling considers that every catchment’s response to precipitation input is unique, which means different catchments respond differently to the same precipitation input. In other words, river basins are sufficiently dissimilar to warrant having hydrological models with multiple free-parameters for predicting discharge. It is assumed that free-parameters are related to static catchment characteristics. However, past efforts to relate model parameters with observable catchment characteristics have not been very successful. We thus need a framework to quantify catchment dissimilarities exhibited by catchment characteristics because there is no need of free-parameters if we decide to ignore dissimilarities. Thus, the relative roles of climate and catchment characteristics in the streamflow response of the basin needs to be quantified. In this study, we have considered daily data from 3534 gauging stations spread across the globe to compare HBV, a widely used hydrological model, with Dynamic Budyko (DB) model, a recently proposed calibration-free model. The HBV model assumes that both climate and catchment characteristics are important in modeling streamflow response, whereas a calibration-free DB model essentially assumes that streamflow response is largely governed by climate. The performance of HBV run with regionalized parameters and DB in terms of median coefficient of determination (R2) and weighted R2 (WR2) are (0.43, 0.45) and (0.24, 0.27), respectively. The corresponding values of R2 and WR2 from quantile-quantile comparison are (0.94, 0.94) and (0.60, 0.59). The results here seem to support the idea of developing calibration-free models by appreciating similarities between basins, particularly if the objectives are prediction in ungauged basins and assessment of climate change impact on streamflow.

Identifying physiological determinants of 800 m running performance using post-exercise blood lactate kinetics

PurposeThe aims of the present study were to investigate blood lactate kinetics following high intensity exercise and identify the physiological determinants of 800 m running performance.MethodsFourteen competitive 800 m runners performed two running tests. First, participants performed a multistage graded exercise test to determine physiological indicators related to endurance performance. Second, participants performed four to six 30-s high intensity running bouts to determine post-exercise blood lactate kinetics. Using a biexponential time function, lactate exchange ability (γ1), lactate removal ability (γ2), and the quantity of lactate accumulated (QLaA) were calculated from individual blood lactate recovery data.Results800 m running performance was significantly correlated with peak oxygen consumption (r = −0.794), γ1 and γ2 at 800 m race pace (r = −0.604 and −0.845, respectively), and QLaA at maximal running speed (r = −0.657). V˙\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\dot{\ ext{V}}}$$\\end{document}O2peak and γ2 at 800 m race pace explained 83% of the variance in 800 m running performance.ConclusionOur results indicate that (1) a high capacity to exchange and remove lactate, (2) a high capacity for short-term lactate accumulation and, (3) peak oxygen consumption, are critical elements of 800 m running performance. Accordingly, while lactate has primarily been utilized as a performance indicator for long-distance running, post-exercise lactate kinetics may also prove valuable as a performance determinant in middle-distance running.

The effect of caffeine on running performance in performance triathletes

Background and purpose In an endurance sport such as triathlon, coaches at the elite level strive to select an appropriate nutritional strategy prior to performance in addition to optimizing the training process. Based on this, the research in question was designed with the aim to verify the effect of caffeine on the running performance of performance triathletes during the preparation period. Purpose is to determine the effect of caffeine on running performance in triathletes. Material and methods The study sample consisted of 8 performance triathletes from the TRIAN club of ŠK UMB Banská Bystrica, whose age was 16.7 ± 0.67 years. Diagnostics were run on InSPORTline Condi T6000i treadmill with the aim of detecting lactate and blood sugar levels (mmol/l) before the performance and within 10 seconds after the performance. The blood lactate level was detected with the portable device Lactate Scout+ and the blood glucose level was measured with the Wellion CALLA light glucose meter. The running pace at which the participants performed the test was at anaerobic threshold and they attempted to cover a distance of 1,500 m at a constant incline of 3%. The testing took place 1 time per week in the morning hours (08:00-08:30). On the second day after the initial testing from 01.03.2023 to 14.03.2023, the participants started taking placebo (magnesii lactas) on a daily basis in form of capsules. The participants took 2 capsules (200 mg magnesium) which they consumed with 200 mL of water 45 to 60 minutes before each morning workout/test. This was followed by the administration of caffeine capsules, which they consumed for an additional 2 weeks from 03.15.2023 to 03.28.2023. The participants consumed caffeine capsules at 5 mg/kg body weight 45 to 60 minutes before each morning workout/test. The intervention programme lasted 5 weeks. Results When administering caffeine capsules at a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight, there was a significant reduction of approximately 26% in the average blood lactate level of the participants after the 1,500 m run. The participants' mean blood glucose levels increased by approximately 4.9% after the 1500 m run. Conclusions Based on the results we can claim that for ergogenic effects on performance we recommend supplementing with 5mg/kg body weight of caffeine approximately 45 to 60 minutes before training.

Moringa oleifera improves skeletal muscle metabolism and running performance in mice

Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) is a subtropical plant routinely used to treat inflammation and chronic disease. However, the mechanism of action of M. oleifera has not been fully elucidated. Thus, this study aims to evaluate its role as a novel ergogenic aid to improve exercise performance by driving signaling pathways implicated in mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolism in skeletal muscle tissue. To accomplish this, adult male C57BL/6 mice were treated with 1.0 g of M. oleifera (N = 20) per day or vehicle control (N = 20) for five weeks. Following three weeks of supplementation, half of each group (RUN) was given access to running wheels every night for two weeks (Remaining half = SED). After treatment protocols were complete, the gastrocnemius muscles were excised and assayed for markers of mitochondrial biogenesis, angiogenesis, endurance capacity, and capillary density using immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. Our results showed a significant increase in average distance run in the M. oleifera + RUN compared to SED mice. In addition, key metabolic markers such as PGC-1α, PPARγ, SDHB, SUCLG1, VEGF, PGAM-2, PGK1, and MYLPF were increased in the M. oleifera treated groups compared to vehicle + SED. Moreover, M. oleifera also increased CSA and decreased markers of protein degradation. This data suggests that M. oleifera has the potential to be an ergogenic aid that enhances energy metabolism in adult skeletal muscle by increasing the expression of key metabolic markers.

Effects of running-induced fatigue on joint kinematics and kinetics during overground running: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study evaluated the acute fatigue-inducing effect of distance running on kinematics and kinetics during overground running. Standardised mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were used to pool data across 16 studies. Effects during consistent (pre- and post-fatigue running speed within ± 5%) versus varied speed running (difference of >5% between running speeds) were analysed separately. There was strong evidence that running-induced fatigue significantly increases ground contact times at consistent running speeds (SMD 0.52 [95% CI 0.22, 0.82]) and moderate evidence that step length shortens at varied running speeds (SMD -1.27 [95% CI -1.79, -0.75]). There was strong evidence that fatigue does not change peak: hip and knee flexion angles, hip adduction angle, hip and knee internal rotation angles, hip and knee extension moments, hip and knee abduction moments, knee abduction angle, knee flexion and extension moments, knee adduction moment, rearfoot eversion angle, and plantarflexion moments, or knee flexion and plantarflexion range of motion during stance. Running-induced fatigue increases contact times and reduces step length, whereas lower-body joint angles and moments are unchanged. Minimising changes in stride parameters could provide a mechanism for reducing the effects of fatigue on running performance.

Mathematical modelling for predicting performance and emissions of a diesel engine fuelled with palm kernel biodiesel–diesel-diethyl carbonate fuel blends

The search for environmentally friendly and sustainable alternatives to conventional diesel fuels has prompted investigations into blends of biodiesel and oxygenated additives like diethyl carbonate. This study focuses on developing mathematical models to predict the performance and emissions of a single-cylinder diesel engine running on palm kernel biodiesel blended with varying proportions of diethyl carbonate. Response Surface Methodology with a general factorial design was employed to create mathematical models for brake thermal efficiency, brake-specific fuel consumption, hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, and oxides of nitrogen emissions. The two input variables were engine load (five levels) and diethyl carbonate percentage in the fuel blend (five levels). Second-order models were developed, and model fit was evaluated using analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 95% confidence. The developed RSM models showed excellent fit with high R-squared values close to unity, satisfying the model adequacy criteria. ANOVA revealed the models to be statistically significant predictors of the response variables based on load and diethyl carbonate percentage. The optimum operating condition for best performance and emissions balance was found to be 71% load and 10% diethyl carbonate inclusion. The study emphasises the importance of alternative fuels in mitigating environmental pollution and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Can the recent sex-specific evolutions in elite running performances be attributed to advanced footwear technology?

Recent improvements in elite running performances across all distances have been largely attributed to the introduction of advanced footwear technology (AFT), which features a curved and stiff plate working synergistically with a new generation of midsole foams demonstrating enhanced resilience and compliance. These recent improvements appear to be considerably more pronounced in women's events, highlighted by improvements in road racing world records by an average of 3.7% (range: 2.6%-5.2%) compared to mean progressions of 1.5% (range: 1.3%-1.9%) in the same men's events. Although there is a growing body of research investigating the mechanisms underpinning running performance enhancements derived from AFT, there remains no explanation for potential sex-based differences in their benefits. We overview the currently available evidence and highlight why the recent direction of AFT research provides a barrier to progress by focusing primarily on male athletes. We subsequently provide our perspective on why women may be benefiting from the new generation of shoes more than men, suggest potential mechanisms leading to hypotheses that need to be further investigated in upcoming studies, and finally propose that factors outside of footwear innovation may have concurrently driven the recently observed performance evolutions.

Factors Affecting Shooting Performance in Laser Run

Abstract Purpose Laser Run combines running and shooting with a laser pistol in multiple laps with high cardio-vascular stress. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of shooting rate, shooting rhythm, heart rate, and core stability on the overall performance. Methods During a qualification race with 23 elite athletes heart rate and shooting performance were measured. The shooting rate and rhythm were then calculated and trunk strength endurance was determined in a separate test. Results Firing an average of 10.2 ± 3.9 shots per lap, the athletes spent a mean of 23.0 ± 12.0 s at the shooting range. The mean shooting rate was approximately 2.4 s between two shots. The results indicated a regular shooting rhythm to be more important than high shooting rate. The variation of the shooting rate showed a strong correlation with the overall shooting performance (r = 0.77). Athletes shoot at a heart rate close to 95% of their maximum heart rate. However, deviations do not seem to influence on the shooting performance, whereas core strength endurance obviously has a strong impact on shooting performance (r = −0.57). Conclusion Athletes must train to shoot with high heart rates and find a balance between high shooting rate and precision. A constant shooting rhythm and good core stability appear to be particularly important for high performance.