scholarly journals The Effect of Cleat Position on Running Using Acceleration-Derived Data in the Context of Triathlons

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (17) ◽  
pp. 5899
Author(s):  
Stuart A. Evans ◽  
Daniel A. James ◽  
David Rowlands ◽  
James B. Lee

Appropriate cycling cleat adjustment could improve triathlon performance in both cycling and running. Prior recommendations regarding cleat adjustment have comprised aligning the first metatarsal head above the pedal spindle or somewhat forward. However, contemporary research has questioned this approach in triathlons due to the need to run immediately after cycling. Subsequently, moving the pedal cleat posteriorly could be more appropriate. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a triaxial accelerometer to determine acceleration magnitudes of the trunk in outdoor cycling in two different bicycle cleat positions and the consequential impact on trunk acceleration during running. Seven recreational triathletes performed a 20 km cycle and a 5 km run using their own triathlon bicycle complete with aerodynamic bars and gearing. Interpretation of data was evaluated based on cadence changes whilst triathletes cycled in an aerodynamic position in two cleat positions immediately followed by a self-paced overground run. The evaluation of accelerometer-derived data within a characteristic overground setting suggests a significant increase in total trunk acceleration magnitude during cycling with a posterior cleat with significant increases to longitudinal acceleration (p = 0.04) despite a small effect (d = 0.2) to the ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Cycling with a posterior cleat significantly reduced longitudinal trunk acceleration in running and overall acceleration magnitudes (p < 0.0001) with a large effect size (d = 0.9) and a significant reduction in RPE (p = 0.02). In addition, running after cycling in a posterior cleat was faster compared to running after cycling in a standard cleat location. Practically, the magnitude of trunk acceleration during cycling in a posterior cleat position as well as running after posterior cleat cycling differed from that when cycling in the fore-aft position followed by running. Therefore, the notion that running varies after cycling is not merely an individual athlete’s perception, but a valid observation that can be modified when cleat position is altered. Training specifically with a posterior cleat in cycling might improve running performance when trunk accelerations are analysed.

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (41) ◽  
pp. 157-164

The aim of our study has been to verify the effect of the insider floater at the heart rate (HR), the perceived exertion (RPE) and the technical actions associated with small-sided games (SSGs) 4vs4 with goal. Sixteen players (17.1 ± 0.8 years, 173.9 ± 4.5 cm height, 65.4 ± 5.4 kg body mass and 54.6 ± 2.8 ml/kg/min VO2max) participated in SSGs 4vs4 with and without insider floater, under an invasion format and another one of goals scored. HR, RPE and technical demand of the SSGs were registered. The results found no significant differences (p < 0.05) in the HR response caused by the presence of the floater. In the invasion format, a large effect size (ES) was obtained in the FC permanence time at values below 80 % HRmax in the floater task (4vs4+C) with respect to 4vs4. In SSGs of cross line, the TE demonstrated large values in 4vs4-L vs 4vs4+C (ES = 1.4). The technical demand was influenced by the presence of the floater, with a greater number of control, conduction and pass actions, as well as collective success of the cross line task. The different responses associated with the presence of the insider floater compel trainers to take into account the objective of the task and the handling of numerical superiorities to modulate the load associated with the training.


Sports ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. 195
Author(s):  
Scott N. Drum ◽  
Ludwig Rappelt ◽  
Lars Donath

Trunk muscle fatigue and its negative relationship with running economy (RE) is frequently recognized by practitioners but lacks evidence-based support. Thus, this three-armed randomized controlled crossover pilot trial (RCT) examined the effects of trunk and upper body fatigue protocols on RE, trunk muscle isometric rate of force production, and lactate response in runners. Seven well-trained runners (2 males and 5 females) randomly underwent control (CON), trunk fatigue (TRK), and upper body fatigue (UPR) protocols on three different lab visits. Both workload-matched fatigue protocols—consisting of 24 min of a circuit weight routine—elicited comparable rates of perceived exertion, heart rate responses, and lactate accumulations. As expected, core muscle strength assessed with isometric testing immediately before and after both fatigue protocols, decreased notably. RE (VO2/kg bodyweight averaged for 1 min) was determined during a 15 min individual anaerobic threshold (IAT) run at 4, 9 and 14 min. The IAT (13.9 to 15.8 km/h) was determined on lab visit one using an incremental treadmill running protocol to volitional exhaustion. RE differed, although not significantly, between CON and both fatigue protocols by 0.75 (4th min) to 1.5 ml/min/kg (9th and 14th min) bodyweight (Time × Mode Interaction: p = 0.2, np2 = 0.40) with a moderate to large effect size. Despite no signficance, the largest RE differences were observed between TRK and CON (and underscored by the moderate to large effect size). This preliminary pilot RCT revealed that both UPR and TRK conditions might adversely impact running economy at a high intensity, steady state running pace. Future studies should elucidate if these findings are replicable in large scale trials and, in turn, whether periodized core training can beneficially preserve RE.


Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 871
Author(s):  
Stuart A. Evans ◽  
Daniel A. James ◽  
David Rowlands ◽  
James B. Lee

In the multisport of triathlon cycling is the longest of the three sequential disciplines. Triathlon bicycles differ from road bicycles with steeper seat tube angles with a change to saddle height altering the seat tube angle. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a tri axial accelerometer to determine acceleration magnitudes of the trunk in outdoor cycling in two saddle positions. Interpretation of data was evaluated based on cadence changes whilst triathletes cycled in an aerodynamic position in two saddle positions. The evaluation of accelerometer derived data within a characteristic overground setting suggests a significant reduction in mediolateral acceleration of the trunk, yielding a 25.1% decrease when saddle height was altered alongside reduced rate of perceived exertion (3.9%). Minimal differences were observed in anteroposterior and longitudinal acceleration. Evaluation of sensor data revealed a polynomial expression of the subtle changes between both saddle positions. This study shows that a triaxial accelerometer has capability to continuously measure acceleration magnitude of trunk movements during an in-the-field, varied cadence cycle protocol. Accessible and practical sensor technology could be relevant for postural considerations when exploring saddle position in dynamic settings.


2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 189-198
Author(s):  
Julia Pedrosa Furlan ◽  
Paulo Victor Mezzaroba ◽  
Luiz Augusto Conrado ◽  
Fabiana Andrade Machado

This study aimed to analyze the effects of using bioceramic clothing on the 10 km running performance. Ten healthy young males (age 27.9 ± 4.2 years; height 1.8 ± 0.1 m; body mass 73.0 ± 7.5 kg; body mass index (BMI) 23.5 ± 2.3 kg·m2 and body fat 19.3 ± 4.2 %) volunteered to participate in the study. The participants visited the track for three 10 km performances under different conditions: bioceramic clothes (CER), placebo (PLA) and personal clothes (C). Test order was randomized and subjects were blind to the intervention condition, except for the C. Friedman’s test or ANOVA for repeated measures were used to compare the conditions. Minimal detectable change and Effect Size were also calculated. Results: No statistical differences were found. Minimal detectable change analysis suggested a “Possible” reduction in time for the CER condition (C – 52.3 ± 4.1; PLA – 53.1 ± 5.0; CER 51.4 ± 3.8 minutes). Lactate concentration analysis showed a faster removal when subjects were using bioceramic clothes. DOMS was rated as “Possible” higher in the CER condition, and the Session Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPESession) was also higher in that condition, rated as “Small” through Cohen’s Effect Size analysis (C – 425.7 ± 74.8; PLA – 426.6 ± 87.5; CER – 440.1 ± 42.5 A.U.). Conclusion: Results suggest that the use of bioceramic clothes might improve running performance. Further studies are necessary to determine ideal dosage such as time of use and factors influencing absorption.


Author(s):  
Jason P. Brandenburg ◽  
Luisa V. Giles

Abstract Background Blueberries are concentrated with anthocyanins possessing antioxidant properties. As these properties counter fatigue, blueberry supplementation may improve performance and recovery, particularly in hypoxia, where oxidative stress is elevated. Methods This study examined the effects of blueberry supplementation on running performance, physiological responses, and recovery in normobaric hypoxia. Eleven experienced runners completed a 30-minute time-trial (TT) in normobaric hypoxia (%O2 = 15.5 %) on separate days after supplementation with four days of blueberries (BLU) or four days of placebo (PLA). Heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SaO2) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were monitored during the TT. Blood lactate and fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) were assessed pre-TT, post-TT, and during recovery. Results No significant differences were observed in the distance run during the TT, HR, SaO2, and RPE. The post-TT increase in blood lactate was significantly lower in BLU than PLA (p = 0.036). Pre-TT and post-TT FENO did not differ between conditions. Blood lactate recovery following the TT was similar between conditions. Conclusions Four days of blueberry supplementation did not alter running performance or cardiovascular and perceptual responses in normobaric hypoxia. Supplementation lowered the blood lactate response to running, however, the significance of this finding is uncertain given the absence of an ergogenic effect.


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (8) ◽  
pp. 1074-1080
Author(s):  
Cristiano D. da Silva ◽  
Ric Lovell

Purpose: To examine the physiological, muscle-damage, endocrine, and immune responses to a modified soccer-simulation protocol to include technical and jumping activities characteristic of match play (the Technical Soccer-Specific Aerobic Field Test; T-SAFT90). Methods: Eighteen university players (age 23 [2] y, stature 175 [5] cm, body mass 74 [11] kg) performed the 90-minute protocol, with acute physiological responses monitored via heart rate, ratings of perceived exertion (6–20 scale), and body mass changes. Creatine kinase, myoglobin, cortisol, and leukocyte subset concentrations were measured at baseline, immediately (0 h), and 24 hours post T-SAFT90. Results: T-SAFT90 incurred an average heart rate equivalent to 87% (5%) of maximum, 16 (2) a.u. ratings of perceived exertion, and a 1.5% (1.0%) body mass deficit. Moderate to large proliferation of leukocyte subsets (P ≤ .01; leukocytes: 6.4-fold; neutrophils: 5.5-fold; lymphocytes: 2.0-fold) and increases in cortisol (2.3-fold) were observed at 0 hours (effect size = 1.13–3.52), each returning to baseline by 24 hours (P > .45; effect size = 0.05–0.50). Myoglobin peaked immediately post T-SAFT90 (4.8-fold), whereas creatine kinase (24 h: 6.0-fold) showed a delayed time course (both P ≤ .001; very large effects; effect size = 2.66 and 3.43, respectively). Conclusions: The magnitude and time course of the physiological, immune, endocrine, and muscle-damage markers observed during and following T-SAFT90 are similar to values reported in match-play literature, demonstrating external validity of the simulation.


2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis-Peter Born ◽  
Christoph Zinner ◽  
Britta Herlitz ◽  
Katharina Richter ◽  
Hans-Christer Holmberg ◽  
...  

Purpose:The current investigation assessed tissue oxygenation and local blood volume in both vastus lateralis muscles during 3000-m race simulations in elite speed skaters on ice and the effects of leg compression on physiological, perceptual, and performance measures.Methods:Ten (6 female) elite ice speed skaters completed 2 on-ice trials with and without leg compression. Tissue oxygenation and local blood volume in both vastus lateralis muscles were assessed with near-infrared spectroscopy. Continuous measures of oxygen uptake, ventilation, heart rate, and velocity were conducted throughout the race simulations, as well as blood lactate concentration and ratings of perceived exertion before and after the trials. In addition, lap times were assessed.Results:The investigation of tissue oxygenation in both vastus lateralis muscles revealed an asymmetry (P < .00; effect size = 1.81) throughout the 3000-m race simulation. The application of leg compression did not affect oxygenation asymmetry (smallest P = .99; largest effect size = 0.31) or local blood volume (P = .33; 0.95). Lap times (P = .88; 0.43), velocity (P = .24; 0.84), oxygen uptake (P = .79; 0.10), ventilation (P = .11; 0.59), heart rate (P = .21; 0.89), blood lactate concentration (P = .82; 0.59), and ratings of perceived exertion (P = .19; 1.01) were also unaffected by the different types of clothing.Conclusion:Elite ice speed skaters show an asymmetry in tissue oxygenation of both vastus lateralis muscles during 3000-m events remaining during the long gliding phases along the straight sections of the track. Based on the data, the authors conclude that there are no performance-enhancing benefits from wearing leg compression under a normal racing suit.


2012 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 338-346 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Rollo ◽  
Lewis James ◽  
Louise Croft ◽  
Clyde Williams

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the influence of ingesting a carbohydrate-electrolyte (CHO-E) beverage ad libitum or as a prescribed volume on 10-mile run performance and gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort. Nine male recreational runners completed the 10-mile run under the following 3 conditions: no drinking (ND; 0 ml, 0 g CHO), ad libitum drinking (AD; 315 ± 123 ml, 19 ± 7 g CHO), and prescribed drinking (PD; 1,055 ± 90 ml, 64 ± 5 g CHO). During the AD and PD trials, drinks were provided on completion of Miles 2, 4, 6, and 8. Running performance, speed (km/hr), and 10-mile run time were assessed using a global positioning satellite system. The runners’ ratings of perceived exertion and GI comfort were recorded on completion of each lap of the 10-mile run. There was a significant difference (p < .10) in performance times for the 10-mile race for the ND, AD, and PD trials, which were 72:05 ± 3:36, 71:14 ± 3:35, and 72:12 ± 3.53 min:s, respectively (p = .094). Ratings of GI comfort were reduced during the PD trial in comparison with both AD and ND trials. In conclusion, runners unaccustomed to habitually drinking CHO-E beverages during training improved their 10-mile race performance with AD drinking a CHO-E beverage, in comparison with drinking a prescribed volume of the same beverage or no drinking.


Author(s):  
Fu-Lien Wu ◽  
Wendy T. Wang ◽  
Fuyuan Liao ◽  
Yang Liu ◽  
Jiacong Li ◽  
...  

Physical activity has been recommended by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) as a preventive intervention of diabetes complications. However, there is no study investigating how microvascular control mechanism respond to different walking intensities in people with and without diabetes. The purpose of this study was to assess microvascular control mechanism of the plantar foot in response to various walking speeds and durations in 12 healthy people using spectral analysis of skin blood flow (SBF) oscillations. A 3×2 factorial design, including 3 speeds (3, 6, and 9 km/h) and 2 durations (10 and 20 minutes), was used in this study. Plantar SBF was measured using laser Doppler flowmetry over the first metatarsal head. Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale and heart rate maximum were used to assess the walking intensity. Wavelet analysis was used to quantify regulations of metabolic (0.0095-0.02 Hz), neurogenic (0.02-0.05 Hz), myogenic (0.05-0.15 Hz), respiratory (0.15-0.4 Hz), and cardiac (0.4-2 Hz) controls. For 10-minute walking, walking at 9 km/h significantly increased the ratio of wavelet amplitudes of metabolic, neurogenic, myogenic, respiratory, and cardiac mechanisms compared with 3 km/h ( P < .05). For 20-minute walking, walking at 6 km/h significantly increased the ratio of wavelet amplitudes of metabolic, myogenic, respiratory, and cardiac compared with 3 km/h ( P < .05). RPE showed a significant interaction between the speed and duration factors ( P < .01). This is the first study demonstrating that different walking speeds and durations caused different plantar microvascular regulations.


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