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Erschienen in:
22.11.2023 | Original Article
Effect of cross-slope angle on running economy and gait characteristics at moderate running velocity
Erschienen in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Ausgabe 4/2024
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Purpose
Outdoor running surfaces are designed with a cross-slope, which can alter kinetic and kinematic gait parameters. The purpose of this study was to evaluate running economy, gait characteristics, and muscle activation while running on a surface with cross-slopes similar to those encountered on roads and trails.
Methods
Eleven recreational runners (females n = 6) completed 5-min running trials on a treadmill at 10 km h−1 with cross-slopes of 0, 1.15, 2.29, and 6 deg in a randomized order.
Results
There were no significant differences in VO2, HR, RER, or VE across cross-slope conditions. Compared to 0 deg of cross-slope, ground contact time and duty factor increased at 2.29 and 6 deg, with significant decreases in absolute and relative flight times. Rear foot angles increased in the upslope leg at 2.29 and 6 deg cross-slopes and decreased in the downslope leg at 6 deg compared to 0 deg of cross-slope, with differences between legs for the 2.29 and 6 deg conditions. Knee flexion at foot strike increased in the upslope leg at a 6 deg cross-slope. Vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior activation were not affected by the cross-slope conditions. While cross-slopes up to 6 deg result in changes to some gait kinematics, these effects do not impact running economy at moderate running velocity.