Prospective running assessments among division I cross-country athletes

Objectives: To prospectively monitor biomechanics, session-rating of perceived exertion (sRPE), and wellness in a cohort of collegiate Division-1 cross-country athletes over the course of a single competitive season. Design: Prospective cohort study. Methods: Healthy Division-1 cross-country athletes (9 males, 13 females) were prospectively followed over a single competitive cross-country season. Wearable sensors were used to collect biomechanics twice per week, along with surveys to assess sRPE and wellness. Mixed model linear regressions were used to assess the relationship among biomechanical measures to sRPE, and to wellness z-scores. Results: Stride length, contact time, impact g, pace, weekly mileage, and running a meet in the day prior to the recorded run explained 25.4% of the variance in sRPE scores across the season (R-2 = 0.254, p < 0.001). Contact time and braking g helped explain 3.7% of the variance in wellness (R-2 = 0.037, F= 5.70, p = 0.01). Conclusions: There were several identified associations between gait biomechanics and sRPE, yet minimal associations with wellness measures. These findings suggest there are movement adaptations associated with perceived running intensity, however biomechanical measures alone do not lend additional insight into wellness measures. (C) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between biomechanics, perceived exertion, and wellness in cross-country athletes. The results showed that there were associations between biomechanical measures and perceived exertion, but minimal associations with wellness measures.