title: Comparison of running kinematics between elite and national-standard 1500-m runners.
abstract: The aim of this study was to determine whether elite 1500-m runners differ in their running kinematics from national-standard 1500-m runners. Six national-standard male runners (seasonal best: 3 min 49.2 s +/- 3.2 s) were assessed during the second lap of a 1500-m race. Their running kinematics was then compared with those of five elite runners (seasonal best: 3 min 35.6 s +/- 2.6 s) analysed during the second lap of the men's 1500-m final at the 2005 World Championships. Data were collected using two high-speed cameras operating at 200 Hz with a three-dimensional pan and tilt system. Running speed was the same for both groups. Despite the similar contact times, the minimum knee angle during the stance phase was greater and the average extension velocity of the knee angle in the same phase slower in the elite runners than in the national-standard runners. In addition, the running technique of the elite runners appears to be characterized by a more efficient function of the hip joint. In conclusion, elite runners may utilize elastic energy more effectively, which, in combination with minimum concentric work, leads to improvements in their running performance.
authors.affiliation: Neuromuscular Research Centre, Department of Biology of Physical Activity, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland.
authors.forename: Antti
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Leskinen
authors.forename: Keijo
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Häkkinen
authors.forename: Mikko
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Virmavirta
authors.forename: Juha
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Isolehto
authors.forename: Heikki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kyröläinen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003163:Competitive Behavior; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D055815:Young Adult