Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze the link between the upper and lower body during
racewalking. Fifteen male and 16 female racewalkers were recorded in a laboratory as
they racewalked at speeds equivalent to their 20-km personal records [men: 1:23:12
(±2:45); women: 1:34:18 (±5:15)]; a single representative trial was chosen from each
athlete for analysis and averaged data analyzed. Spatial variables (e.g., stride length)
were normalized to stature and referred to as ratios. None of the peak upper body joint
angles were associated with speed (p < 0.05) and there were no correlations between
pelvic motion and speed, but a medium relationship was observed between peak pelvic
external rotation (right pelvis rotated backwards) and stride length ratio (r = 0.37). Greater
peak shoulder extension was associated with lower stride frequencies (r = −0.47) and
longer swing times (r = 0.41), whereas peak elbow flexion had medium associations
with flight time (r = −0.44). Latissimus dorsi was the most active muscle at toe-off
during peak shoulder flexion; by contrast, pectoralis major increased in activity just before
initial contact, concurrent with peak shoulder extension. Consistent but relatively low
rectus abdominis and external oblique activation was present throughout the stride,
but increased in preparation for initial contact during late swing. The movements of
the pelvic girdle were important for optimizing spatiotemporal variables, showing that
this exaggerated movement allows for greater stride lengths. Racewalkers should note
however that a larger range of shoulder swing movements was found to be associated
with lower stride frequency, and smaller elbow angles with increased flight time, which
could be indicative of faster walking but can also lead to visible loss of contact. Coaches
should remember that racewalking is an endurance event and development of resistance
to fatigue might be more important than strength development.
racewalking. Fifteen male and 16 female racewalkers were recorded in a laboratory as
they racewalked at speeds equivalent to their 20-km personal records [men: 1:23:12
(±2:45); women: 1:34:18 (±5:15)]; a single representative trial was chosen from each
athlete for analysis and averaged data analyzed. Spatial variables (e.g., stride length)
were normalized to stature and referred to as ratios. None of the peak upper body joint
angles were associated with speed (p < 0.05) and there were no correlations between
pelvic motion and speed, but a medium relationship was observed between peak pelvic
external rotation (right pelvis rotated backwards) and stride length ratio (r = 0.37). Greater
peak shoulder extension was associated with lower stride frequencies (r = −0.47) and
longer swing times (r = 0.41), whereas peak elbow flexion had medium associations
with flight time (r = −0.44). Latissimus dorsi was the most active muscle at toe-off
during peak shoulder flexion; by contrast, pectoralis major increased in activity just before
initial contact, concurrent with peak shoulder extension. Consistent but relatively low
rectus abdominis and external oblique activation was present throughout the stride,
but increased in preparation for initial contact during late swing. The movements of
the pelvic girdle were important for optimizing spatiotemporal variables, showing that
this exaggerated movement allows for greater stride lengths. Racewalkers should note
however that a larger range of shoulder swing movements was found to be associated
with lower stride frequency, and smaller elbow angles with increased flight time, which
could be indicative of faster walking but can also lead to visible loss of contact. Coaches
should remember that racewalking is an endurance event and development of resistance
to fatigue might be more important than strength development.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 702743 |
| Journal | Frontiers in Sports and Active Living |
| Volume | 3 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published (VoR) - 9 Jul 2021 |