Uphill Running Research Articles

Uphill Treadmill Running and Joint Mobilization Improve Dynamic Stability and Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion in Young Adults With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Four-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of uphill running and the combined effect of uphill running plus joint mobilizations on dynamic stability and ankle dorsiflexion in young adults with chronic ankle instability (CAI). DesignFour-arm randomized controlled trial. SettingA college rehabilitation center. ParticipantsIndividuals with CAI (N=73). InterventionsParticipants were randomly assigned to 4 groups: combined uphill running and joint mobilization (URJM), uphill running alone (UR), joint mobilization alone (JM), and control group. The URJM and UR groups received 20-minute running sessions, and the URJM and JM groups received ankle joint mobilizations, all 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Main Outcome MeasuresCumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) and Y-balance test (YBT) in anterior, posteromedial (PM), and posterolateral (PL) directions for dynamic stability; weight-bearing lunge test and non-weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion degree using a goniometer (NWBG) for dorsiflexion. ResultsThe UR group showed significant improvements in CAIT, YBT-PL, YBT-PM, and NWBG compared to the control group. The URJM group demonstrated large treatment effects in NWBG compared to both UR and JM groups. Responder analysis indicated that the UR, JM, and URJM groups had a higher likelihood of achieving clinically significant changes (exceeding minimal detectable change or minimal clinically important difference) in CAIT, YBT-PM, YBT-PL, and NWBG compared with the control group. Additionally, the combination of UR and JM was superior to either intervention alone for NWBG, with success rates 1.55 times greater than UR alone and 2.08 times greater than JM alone. ConclusionsA 4-week UR program improves the subjective feeling of instability, dynamic postural control, and ankle dorsiflexion in young adults with CAI. Compared to UR or JM alone, their combined application can better improve the non-weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion.

Anaerobic Performance Profiling in Elite Amateur Boxers.

While anaerobic fitness is highly important for the performance in Olympic (amateur) boxing, the relationship between anaerobic performance metrics is poorly understood, and profiling boxers according to their anaerobic capacity is still a challenge. With the current study in elite amateur boxers, we aimed to compare the metabolic and cardiovascular responses to different maximal tests and the intercorrelations between performance indices (peak and mean power, duration of the test, punching frequency) of several all-out tests and their correlation to physiological response metrics (blood lactate and heart rate, HR). Twelve male Olympic boxers performed a battery of tests, including 30 s Wingate cycling and arm cranking, boxing bag punching, steep uphill treadmill running to exhaustion, and progressive treadmill running VO2max test. Performance indices of different anaerobic tests were not closely correlated except for the duration of uphill running with body weight scaled (relative) peak and mean power produced during Wingate cycling test and absolute mean power of both Wingate tests. The number of punches landed on a bag per 30 s was associated only with relative power achieved during Wingate cycling test. HRpeak but not peak lactate response correlated strongly across exercise tasks. Finally, no correlation between the highly developed aerobic and anaerobic capacity, suggests a complex picture of the adaptation in elite amateur boxers.

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.

Effect of carbon-fiber plate footwear during uphill and downhill trail running on segment acceleration and plantar pressure using wearable technology

Effect of carbon-fiber plate footwear during uphill and downhill trail running on segment acceleration and plantar pressure using wearable technology

Tibial strains are sensitive to speed perturbations, but not grade perturbations, during running.

A fatigue-failure process is hypothesized to govern the development of tibial stress fractures, where bone damage is highly dependent on the peak strain magnitude. To date, much of the work examining tibial strain during running has ignored uphill and downhill running despite the prevalence of this terrain. This study examined the sensitivity of tibial strain to changes in running grade and speed using a combined musculoskeletal-finite element modelling routine. Seventeen participants ran on a treadmill at ±10, ±5 and 0deg; at each grade, participants ran at 3.33 m s-1 and at a grade-adjusted speed of 2.50 and 4.17 m s-1 for uphill and downhill grades, respectively. Force and motion data were recorded in each grade and speed combination. Muscle and joint contact forces were estimated using inverse-dynamics-based static optimization. These forces were applied to a participant-adjusted finite element model of the tibia. None of the strain variables (50th and 95th percentile strain and strained volume ≥4000 με) differed as a function of running grade; however, all strain variables were sensitive to running speed (F1≥9.59, P≤0.03). In particular, a 1 m s-1 increase in speed resulted in a 9% (∼260 με) and 155% (∼600 mm3) increase in peak strain and strained volume, respectively. Overall, these findings suggest that faster running speeds, but not changes in running grade, may be more deleterious to the tibia.

Kontribusi Latihan Uphill Running Terhadap Peningkatan VO2MAX Tim Putra Sekolah Sepak Bola Pesawat FC Usia 13-15 Tahun

Uphill running is a training method that utilizes natural conditions or the surrounding environment in the training process. The incline of the hill, the length of the track, and the training interval are the main keys that determine the contribution of this training. The initial aim of the research is to determine the contribution of uphill running training to increasing VO2max at the Pesawat FC soccer school, especially at the age of 13-15 years. The direction of this research will be presented in the form of a detailed explanation of valid research data obtained in the field. The sample for this research is 22 players aged 13-15 years from the Pesawat FC soccer school team. The research stage was carried out by grouping the sample into two control groups and an experimental group after carrying out an initial test, fairly using the ordinal pairing method. The results of the calculation analysis from the difference test from the collected data were that the difference between the pretest and posttest was quite large, namely that in the control group, it was only 4.08%. In the experimental group, it reached 15.69%. This means that the treatment of uphill running training in the experimental group had a greater effect on increasing VO2max. In the end, it was proven that there was a contribution from uphill running training to increasing VO2max for the FC Jombang Airplane soccer school team.

The contribution of lower-limb joint quasi-stiffness to theoretical leg stiffness during level, uphill and downhill running at different speeds.

Humans change joint quasi-stiffness (k joint) and leg stiffness (kleg) when running at different speeds on level ground and during uphill and downhill running. These mechanical properties can inform device designs for running such as footwear, exoskeletons and prostheses. We measured kinetics and kinematics from 17 runners (10 M; 7 F) at three speeds on 0°, ±2°, ±4° and ±6° slopes. We calculated ankle and knee k joint, the quotient of change in joint moment and angular displacement, and theoretical leg stiffness (klegT) based on the joint external moment arms and k joint. Runners increased k ankle at faster speeds (p < 0.01). Runners increased and decreased the ankle and knee contributions to klegT, respectively, by 2.89% per 1° steeper uphill slope (p < 0.01) during the first half of stance. Runners decreased and increased ankle and knee joint contributions to klegT, respectively, by 3.68% during the first half and 0.86% during the second half of stance per 1° steeper downhill slope (p < 0.01). Thus, biomimetic devices require stiffer k ankle for faster speeds, and greater ankle contributions and greater knee contributions to klegT during the first half of stance for steeper uphill and downhill slopes, respectively.

Uphill running preferred over downhill running for recovery from glucocorticoid-induced muscle atrophy

Uphill running preferred over downhill running for recovery from glucocorticoid-induced muscle atrophy

Effect of surface inclination on vertical loading rate and footstrike pattern in trail and road runners

Effect of surface inclination on vertical loading rate and footstrike pattern in trail and road runners

Speed Training Practices of Brazilian Olympic Sprint and Jump Coaches: Toward a Deeper Understanding of Their Choices and Insights (Part II).

This is the second article in a three-article collection regarding the plyometric, speed, and resistance training practices of Brazilian Olympic sprint and jump coaches. Here, we list and describe six out of the ten speed training methods most commonly employed by these experts to enhance the sprinting capabilities of their athletes. Maximum speed sprinting, form running, resisted sprinting, overspeed running, uphill and downhill running, and sport-specific movement methods are critically examined with reference to their potential application in different sport contexts. In an era when sprint speed is of critical importance across numerous sports, practitioners can employ the methods outlined here to design efficient training programs for their athletes.

Power Is More Relevant Than Ascensional Speed to Determine Metabolic Demand at Different Gradient Slopes During Running.

Hingrand, C, Olivier, N, Combes, A, Bensaid, S, and Daussin, FN. Power is more relevant than ascensional speed to determine metabolic demand at different gradient slopes during running. J Strength Cond Res 37(11): 2298-2301, 2023-Trail running is characterized by successive uphill and downhill running sessions. To prescribe training intensity, an assessment of maximal running capacity is required. This study compared 2 uphill incremental tests using the same ascensional speed increment to identify the influence of the slope gradient on performance. Ten subjects (8 men and 2 women) performed 3 incremental exercises on various slope (1%: IT01, 10%: IT10, and 25%: IT25), and the ascensional speed increment was similar between IT10 and IT25 (100 m·h-1 every minute). Gas exchanges, heart rate, and power were monitored continuously during the tests. Similar V̇o2max levels were observed in the 3 conditions: 68.7 ± 6.2 for IT01, 70.1 ± 7.3 for IT10, and 67.6 ± 7.0 for IT25. A greater maximal ascensional speed was reached in the IT25 (1760 ± 190 vs. 1,330 ± 106 for IT25 and IT10, respectively, p < 0.01). A significant relationship was observed between relative V̇o2 levels and relative power without any effect of slope. Power should be the parameter used for prescribing training intensity compared with ascensional speed in trail.

Eccentric Contraction Enhances Healing of the Bone-Tendon Interface After Rotator Cuff Repair in Mice

Background: Various muscle contraction modalities have differing effects on the musculoskeletal system. To understand the magnitude of these effects, the authors investigated the effects of eccentric and concentric contractions on the bone-tendon interface after rotator cuff repair in mice. Hypothesis: Eccentric contraction promotes healing of the bone-tendon interface after rotator cuff repair in mice better than other muscle contraction patterns. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: The authors performed acute supraspinatus tendon repair of the right shoulder in 104 C57BL/6 mice. Animals were randomized into 4 groups postoperatively: control group (Con group), horizontal running group (Horz group), +15° uphill running group (Up group), and −15° downhill running group (Down group), with 26 animals in each group. At 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively, the authors removed the eyeball, collected blood samples, and extracted the supraspinatus tendon–humerus complex for histological, immunological, bone morphological, and biomechanical tests. Results: At 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively, the Down group exhibited a better collagen cell arrangement and fibrocartilage layer than the other 3 groups. At 4 weeks postoperatively, anti-inflammatory macrophages (M2 macrophages) were observed at the repair site in all groups except for the Con group. At 8 weeks postoperatively, M2 macrophages were withdrawn from the tendon site in all groups. The transforming growth factor β1 concentration in the Down group was greater than that in the other 3 groups at 4 weeks postoperatively, and it was higher than that in the Con group at 8 weeks postoperatively. The bone volume fraction, number of trabeculae, and thickness of trabeculae at the repair site in the Down group, as well as the ultimate strength and failure load in the biomechanical tests, were greater than those in the other 3 groups at 8 weeks postoperatively. Conclusion: Eccentric contraction promotes healing of the bone-tendon interface after rotator cuff repair in mice better than other muscle contraction patterns. Clinical Relevance: After clinical rotator cuff repair, patients can be rehabilitated by eccentric training to speed up the functional recovery of the shoulder joint.

Effects Of Uphill Treadmill Running On Adults With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Effects Of Uphill Treadmill Running On Adults With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Vitamin D deficiency contributes to overtraining syndrome in excessive trained C57BL/6 mice.

Overtraining syndrome is a condition resulting from excessive training load associated with inadequate recovery and poor sleep quality, leading to performance decrements and fatigue. Here we hypothesized that vitamin D (VitD) deficiency is a lead factor in the development of the overtraining syndrome. To test this hypothesis, two groups of 60-week-old C57BL/6 mice followed a 16-week excessive eccentric-based overtraining by excessive downhill running with or without dietary VitD depletion (EX and EX-D- groups). Two control groups were trained by uphill running at the same load with or without VitD depletion (CX and CX-D- groups). Handgrip strength decreased throughout the protocol for all groups but the decrease was sharper in EX-D- group (VitD × training, p = 0.0427). At the end of the protocol, the mass of Triceps brachii muscle, which is heavily stressed by eccentric contractions, was reduced in eccentric-trained groups (training effect, p = 0.0107). This atrophy was associated with a lower concentration of the anabolic myokine IL-15 (training effect, p = 0.0314) and a tendency to a higher expression of the atrogene cathepsin-L (training effect, p = 0.0628). VitD depletion led to a 50% decrease of the fractional protein synthesis rate in this muscle (VitD effect, p = 0.0004) as well as decreased FGF21 (VitD effect, p = 0.0351) and increased osteocrin (VitD effect, p = 0.038) concentrations that would lead to metabolic defects. Moreover, the proportion of anti-inflammatory Th2 lymphocytes was significantly decreased by the combination of eccentric training with VitD depletion (vitD × training, p = 0.0249) suggesting a systemic inflammation. Finally, exploratory behavior time of mice was decreased by VitD depletion (VitD effect, p = 0.0146) suggesting a cognitive dysfunction. Our results suggest that VitD deficiency exacerbates the effects of overtraining.

Estimation of horizontal running power using foot-worn inertial measurement units.

Feedback of power during running is a promising tool for training and determining pacing strategies. However, current power estimation methods show low validity and are not customized for running on different slopes. To address this issue, we developed three machine-learning models to estimate peak horizontal power for level, uphill, and downhill running using gait spatiotemporal parameters, accelerometer, and gyroscope signals extracted from foot-worn IMUs. The prediction was compared to reference horizontal power obtained during running on a treadmill with an embedded force plate. For each model, we trained an elastic net and a neural network and validated it with a dataset of 34 active adults across a range of speeds and slopes. For the uphill and level running, the concentric phase of the gait cycle was considered, and the neural network model led to the lowest error (median ± interquartile range) of 1.7% ± 12.5% and 3.2% ± 13.4%, respectively. The eccentric phase was considered relevant for downhill running, wherein the elastic net model provided the lowest error of 1.8% ± 14.1%. Results showed a similar performance across a range of different speed/slope running conditions. The findings highlighted the potential of using interpretable biomechanical features in machine learning models for the estimating horizontal power. The simplicity of the models makes them suitable for implementation on embedded systems with limited processing and energy storage capacity. The proposed method meets the requirements for applications needing accurate near real-time feedback and complements existing gait analysis algorithms based on foot-worn IMUs.

Do Highly Trained Mountain Runners Differ from Recreational Active Non-Runners on Range of Motion and Strength in the Hip and Ankle as Well as Postural Control?

The rules governing mountain running force athletes to implement into their training programmes uphill and downhill running on unstable surfaces, which are demanding for hip and ankle as well as for the postural control system. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to compare highly trained mountain runners (MR) and recreational active non-runners (NR) on range of motion (ROM) and strength in the hip and ankle, as well as dynamic postural control. Thirty MR and thirty-two NR were included in the study. ROM was assessed using a digital inclinometer. Strength was measured using a hand-held dynamometer. Postural control was evaluated using the lower quarter Y-balance test (YBT-LQ). The results showed that MR, in relation to NR, had statistically significant smaller hip external rotation ROM (p = 0.007), lower hip external rotator (p = 0.006) and extensor (p = 0.023) strength and greater normalised anterior reach in the YBT-LQ (p = 0.028). Mountain running training may reduce hip external rotation ROM as well as hip external rotator and extensor strength. Moreover, such training may improve postural control. MR should implement exercises targeted at developing hip ROM and strength. Furthermore, it seems that mountain running training may be a good way to improve postural control.

Speed and surface steepness affect internal tibial loading during running

BackgroundInternal tibial loading is influenced by modifiable factors with implications for the risk of stress injury. Runners encounter varied surface steepness (gradients) when running outdoors and may adapt their speed according to the gradient. This study aimed to quantify tibial bending moments and stress at the anterior and posterior peripheries when running at different speeds on surfaces of different gradients. MethodsTwenty recreational runners ran on a treadmill at 3 different speeds (2.5 m/s, 3.0 m/s, and 3.5 m/s) and gradients (level: 0%; uphill: +5%, +10%, and +15%; downhill: –5%, –10%, and –15%). Force and marker data were collected synchronously throughout. Bending moments were estimated at the distal third centroid of the tibia about the medial–lateral axis by ensuring static equilibrium at each 1% of stance. Stress was derived from bending moments at the anterior and posterior peripheries by modeling the tibia as a hollow ellipse. Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance were conducted using both functional and discrete statistical analyses. ResultsThere were significant main effects for running speed and gradient on peak bending moments and peak anterior and posterior stress. Higher running speeds resulted in greater tibial loading. Running uphill at +10% and +15% resulted in greater tibial loading than level running. Running downhill at –10% and –15% resulted in reduced tibial loading compared to level running. There was no difference between +5% or –5% and level running. ConclusionRunning at faster speeds and uphill on gradients ≥+10% increased internal tibial loading, whereas slower running and downhill running on gradients ≥–10% reduced internal loading. Adapting running speed according to the gradient could be a protective mechanism, providing runners with a strategy to minimize the risk of tibial stress injuries.

Increased oxygen uptake in well-trained runners during uphill high intensity running intervals: A randomized crossover testing.

The time spent above 90% of maximal oxygen uptake ( O2max) during high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions is intended to be maximized to improve O2max. Since uphill running serves as a promising means to increase metabolic cost, we compared even and moderately inclined running in terms of time ≥90% O2max and its corresponding physiological surrogates. Seventeen well-trained runners (8 females & 9 males; 25.8 ± 6.8yrs; 1.75 ± 0.08m; 63.2 ± 8.4kg; O2max: 63.3 ± 4.2ml/min/kg) randomly completed both a horizontal (1% incline) and uphill (8% incline) HIIT protocol (4-times 5min, with 90s rest). Mean oxygen uptake ( O2mean), peak oxygen uptake ( O2peak), lactate, heart rate (HR), and perceived exertion (RPE) were measured. Uphill HIIT revealed higher (p ≤ 0.012; partial eta-squared (pes) ≥ 0.351) O2mean (uphill: 3.3 ± 0.6 vs. horizontal: 3.2 ± 0.5L/min; standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.15), O2peak (uphill: 4.0 ± 0.7 vs. horizontal: 3.8 ± 0.7L/min; SMD = 0.19), and accumulated time ≥90% O2max (uphill: 9.1 ± 4.6 vs. horizontal: 6.4 ± 4.0 min; SMD = 0.62) compared to even HIIT. Lactate, HR, and RPE responses did not show mode*time rANOVA interaction effects (p ≥ 0.097; pes ≤0.14). Compared to horizontal HIIT, moderate uphill HIIT revealed higher fractions of O2max at comparable perceived efforts, heartrate and lactate response. Therefore, moderate uphill HiiT notably increased time spent above 90% O2max.

Increasing Shoe Longitudinal Bending Stiffness Is Not Beneficial to Reduce Energy Cost During Graded Running

Carbon plates have been used to increase running shoes' longitudinal bending stiffness (LBS), leading to reductions in the energy cost of level running (Cr). However, whether or not this is true during uphill (UH) running remains unknown. The aim of our study was to identify the effect of LBS on Cr during UH running. Twenty well-trained male runners participated in this study. Cr was determined using gas exchange during nine 4-minute bouts performed using 3 different LBS shoe conditions at 2.22 and 4.44m/s on level and 2.22m/s UH (gradient: + 15%) running. All variables were compared using 2-way analyses of variance (LBS × speed/grade effects). There was no significant effect of LBS (F = 2.04; P = .14, ηp2=.11) and no significant LBS × grade interaction (F = 0.31; P = .87, ηp2=.02). Results were characterized by a very large interindividual variability in response to LBS changes. The current study contributes to a growing body of literature reporting no effect of LBS on Cr during level and UH running. Yet, the very large interindividual differences in response to changes in LBS suggest that increasing shoe LBS may be beneficial for some runners.

PENGARUH LATIHAN UPHILL DAN DOWNHILL RUNNING TERHADAP POWER TUNGKAI SISWA SSB ARTAJUSI LAMPUNG UTARA

This study aims to determine the effect of Uphill and Downhill Running exercises on the leg power of SSB Artajusi North Lampung students.This study uses an experimental method with a "one group pretest - posttest design". The population in this study were students of SSB Artajusi North Lampung with a sample of 24 men. Sampling in this study was carried out by purposive sampling, with the criteria (1) students who are still actively participating in training at SSB Artajusi North Lampung, (2) male, (3) students under 17 years old / U-17 , (4) able to follow the planned exercise program from start to finish, (5) not in a state of illness. Based on these categories, the sample was given a leg power pretest using a standing broad jump test instrument.The results of this study indicate that (1) There is a significant effect of Uphill and Downhill Running exercises on the leg power of SSB Artajusi North Lampung students. (2) From the results of the t-test, it can be observed that the t-count is greater than the t-table (12.758 1.713) and a significant value of p is (0.000 0.05), this result explains that there is a significant difference between the pretest and posttest of Uphill and Downhill Running exercises. Against Leg Power of SSB Artajusi Students, North Lampung. The average pretest data is 75.92 while the posttest is 81.21 with an increase of 5.29.