Race walking gait and its influence on race walking economy in world-class race walkers. Issue 19 (2nd October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gomez-Ezeiza, Josu; Torres-Unda, Jon; Tam, Nicholas; Irazusta, Jon; Granados, Cristina; Santos-Concejero, Jordan
• Is Part Of: Journal of sports sciences. Volume 36:Issue 19(2018)
• Page Start: 2235
• Page End: 2241
• Publication Date: 2018-10-02
• Subjects: Walking -- sports performance -- ground contact -- footstep analysis -- exercise physiology; Sports -- Periodicals; Sports -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Sports -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 612.044
• DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2018.1449086
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-0414

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Aim : The aim of this study was to determine the relationships between biomechanical parameters of the gait cycle and race walking economy in world-class Olympic race walkers. Methods : Twenty-One world-class race walkers possessing the Olympic qualifying standard participated in this study. Participants completed an incremental race walking test starting at 10 km·h −1, where race walking economy (ml·kg −1 ·km −1 ) and spatiotemporal gait variables were analysed at different speeds. Results : 20-km race walking performance was related to race walking economy, being the fastest race walkers those displaying reduced oxygen cost at a given speed (R = 0.760, p < 0.001). Longer ground contact times, shorter flight times, longer midstance sub-phase and shorter propulsive sub-phase during stance were related to a better race walking economy (moderate effect, p < 0.05). Conclusion : According to the results of this study, the fastest race walkers were more economi cal than the lesser performers. Similarly, shorter flight times are associated with a more efficient race walking economy. Coaches and race walkers should avoid modifying their race walking style by increasing flight times, as it may not only impair economy, but also lead to disqualification.