Relationship Between Changes In Foot Strike Pattern And Indices Of Fatigue In A Maximal 800-Meter Run

During faster, shorter distances, such as an 800-m middle distance, it is unclear whether runners are able to maintain a FF strike pattern. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in FSP throughout a maximal 800-m run. Twenty-one subjects (14 female, 7 male; age: 23.86 ± 4.25 yrs) were recruited for this study from the surrounding area and university. Subjects completed a maximal effort 800-m run while FSP and muscle activity of the tibialis anterior (TA) and lateral gastrocnemius (LG) were assessed. The main results showed there was a significant increase in split times throughout the 800-meter run (F [3, 60] = 15.188, p< 0.001). There were significant differences seen between curves and straight intervals for average angular velocity of the foot (F [1, 20] = 21.707, p<0.001) and average change in foot angle (F [1, 20] = 18.445, p<0.001). FSP did not change throughout the 800-m run, with subjects remaining in a more FF strike position; however, there were significant differences in FSP between straight intervals and curve intervals, where subjects employed a more FF strike on the curve intervals compared to straight intervals.