Speed-Dependent Changes in Vertical Ground Reaction Force Characteristics During VO2max Testing in Trained 5k Runners Original Research
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Keywords
biomechanics, asymmetry, graded exercise test, performance, distance runners
Abstract
Introduction: Vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) characteristics have been well documented across sprint speeds; however, limited research has examined these variables during incremental maximal aerobic tests ( VO2max) in distance runners. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of increasing speeds on biomechanical parameters during an incremental VO2max test.
Methods: Twelve trained college cross-country and triathlon athletes (8 females, 4 males) completed a graded treadmill protocol to volitional fatigue. Descriptive statistics, percent change, correlation matrices, and regression analysis were conducted to examine relationships between biomechanical parameters (independent variable) and VO2 (dependent variable).
Results: Running speed demonstrated a near-perfect negative correlation with contact time (r = -0.99, p < .001) and strong positive correlations with vGRF (r = 0.986, p < .001) and loading rate (r = 0.965, p < .001). Additionally, vGRF was strongly associated with loading rate (r = 0.965, p < .001) and inversely related to contact time (r = -0.982, p < .001). Regression analysis revealed excellent reliability across speeds (ICC = 0.98–1.00), with the highest reliability observed at 20.4 and 21.7 km/h (ICC = 1.00). In contrast, asymmetry demonstrated weak, non-significant relationships with all variables. In trained distance runners, increasing speed is associated with greater vGRF and loading rate, and reduced contact time. Furthermore, vGRF and contact time were significantly related to oxygen consumption.
Conclusions: These findings demonstrate consistent, speed-dependent biomechanical changes during incremental VO2max testing and suggest that this may provide information for examining interactions between mechanical and metabolic responses to increasing exercise intensity.
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Copyright, 2026 by the authors. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.