Kinematic and spatiotemporal differences between footstrike patterns in elite male and female 10,000 m runners in competition

The aim of this study was to examine spatiotemporal and joint kinematic differences between footstrike patterns in 10,000m running. Seventy-two men’s and 42 women’s footstrike patterns were analysed during laps 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 (of 25) using 2D video recordings. Approximately 47% of men were FFS throughout the race, 30% were MFS and 24% RFS; the respective frequencies in women were approximately 30%, 38% and 32%. Overall, 83% of men and 88% of women retained their footstrike pattern throughout the race. Amongst the 53 men and 33 women with symmetrical footstrike patterns, there were no differences in speed, step length or cadence between footstrike groups in either sex. Most lower limb joint angles did not change in these athletes during the event, with few differences between footstrike patterns apart from ankle and foot angles. A greater hip-ankle distance was found in RFS than in FFS (both sexes) and in RFS than in MFS (men only), although these differences were never more than 0.03 m. Coaches should note that habitual footstrike patterns were maintained during this long-distance track race despite changes in running speed and possible fatigue, and there were few performance differences between footstrike patterns.