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Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology 7/2020

01-07-2020 | Original Article

The effects of stride frequency manipulation on physiological and perceptual responses during backward and forward running with body weight support

Authors: Kenji Masumoto, Daniel Denton, Andrew Craig-Jones, John A. Mercer

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 7/2020

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Abstract

Purpose

We investigated the influence of a change in stride frequency on physiological and perceptual responses during forward and backward running at different body weight support (BWS) levels.

Methods

Participants ran forward and backward at 0% BWS, 20% BWS, and 50% BWS conditions on a lower body positive pressure treadmill. The stride frequency conditions consisted of forward and backward running at preferred stride frequency (PSF), PSF + 10%, and PSF-10%. We measured oxygen uptake (\(\dot{V}\)O2), carbon dioxide production, heart rate (HR), muscle activity from the lower extremity, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Furthermore, we calculated the metabolic cost of transport (CoT).

Results

\(\dot{V}\)O2, HR, CoT, and muscle activity from the rectus femoris were significantly different between stride frequency conditions (P < 0.05). \(\dot{V}\)O2, HR, and CoT during running at PSF + 10% were significantly higher than when running at PSF, regardless of running direction and BWS (P < 0.05). However, RPE was not different between stride frequency conditions (P > 0.05: e.g., 12.8–13.8 rankings in RPE for backward running at 0% BWS).

Conclusions

Manipulation of stride frequency during running may have a greater impact on physiological responses than on perceptual responses at a given speed, regardless of running direction and BWS. Individuals who need to increase their physiological demands during running may benefit from a 10% increase in stride frequency from the PSF, regardless of BWS and running direction.
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Metadata
Title
The effects of stride frequency manipulation on physiological and perceptual responses during backward and forward running with body weight support
Authors
Kenji Masumoto
Daniel Denton
Andrew Craig-Jones
John A. Mercer
Publication date
01-07-2020
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 7/2020
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-020-04380-y

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