Neuromuscular Characteristics and Fatigue During 10 km Running

This study investigated neuromuscular characteristics and fatigue during 10 km running (10 K) performance in well-trained endurance athletes with different distance running capability. Nine high (HC) and ten low (LC) caliber endurance athletes performed the 10 K on a 200 m indoor track, constant velocity lap (CVL, 4.5 m × s^-1) 5 times during the course of the 10 K and maximal 20 m speed test before (20 m_b) and after (20 m_a) the 10 K. Running velocity (V), ground contact times (CT), ground reaction forces (F) and electromyographic activity (EMG) of the leg muscles (vastus lateralis; VL, biceps femoris; BF, gastrocnemius; GA) were measured during 20 m_b, 20 m_a, and CVLs. The 10 K times differed (p < 0.001) between HC and LC (36.3 ± 1.2 and 39.2 ± 2.0 min, respectively) but no differences were observed in 20 m_b velocity. The 10 K led to significant (p < 0.05) decreases in V, F and integrated EMG (IEMG) and increases in CTs of 20 m_a in both groups. No changes were observed in HC or LC in F and IEMG during the CVLs but HC showed shorter (p < 0.05) mean CT of CVLs than LC. A significant correlation (r = - 0.56, p < 0.05) was observed between the mean CT of CVLs and velocity of 10 K (V_10K). Pre-activity of GA in relation to the IEMG of the total contact phase during the CVLs was higher (p < 0.05) in HC than LC. The relative IEMGs of VL and GA in the propulsion phase compared to the IEMG of the 20 m_b were lower (p < 0.05) in HC than LC. In conclusion, marked fatigue took place in both HC and LC during the 10 K but the fatigue-induced changes in maximal 20 m run did not differentiate endurance athletes with different V_10K. However, a capability to produce force rapidly throughout the 10 K accompanied with optimal preactivation and contact phase activation seem to be important for 10 km running performance in well trained endurance athletes.

Distance running performance - neuromuscular characteristics - EMG - fatigue - ground reaction forces - contact times - endurance athletes

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