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article 2025 7 pages

Gait variability and fatigability during a simulated 10-km running race in trained runners

Johnny Padulo, Marta Borrelli, Andrea Antiglio, Fabio Esposito

Journal
European Journal of Applied Physiology
DOI
10.1007/s00421-025-05780-8
Publication type
Original Research
Population
trained runners
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Abstract

Purpose

Fatigue is an inevitable phenomenon during distance running, leading to the adoption of altered gait patterns by runners. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the changes in gait variability and fatigability in distance runners over a 10-km running race.

Methods

For this aim, 12 runners (36.5 ± 5.4 y) completed a simulated 10-km running race. Throughout the trial, heart rate (HR) and rate perceived exertion (RPE, CR-10) were analyzed. In addition, kinematic/kinetic measurements: contact time (CT), flight time (FT), step length (SL), stride time (ST) leg (kvert) and vertical (kleg) stiffness, were recorded. Gait variability including phase coordination index (PCI) was calculated for each 2-km segment.

Results

HR increased (from 88.46 ± 5.84 to 93.87 ± 6.48 %HRMAX, P 

Description

This study investigates changes in gait variability and fatigability in distance runners over a 10-km running race.