Gait parameters differences between the legs during race walking

Prior research on the effects of fatigue during race walking has shown changes in step length and frequency (Knicker & Loch, 1990: New Studies in Athletics, 5, 25-38). It is unclear whether these changes are consistent for both legs. The purpose of the study was to investigate the differences between the legs for kinetic variables during race walking, and to measure changes occurring due to fatigue.

The study was approved by the university’s ethics committee and informed consent was given by fourteen international race walkers, of whom four were female (Age mean 28.2, s = 7.4 years; stature 1.77, s = .10 m; mass 66.0, s = 11.7 kg). Each participant walked for 10 km on a treadmill (Gaitway, Traunstein). The average treadmill speed was 12.4 km•hr-1 (s = .7) and each athlete walked at a constant pace. Data were recorded using the Gaitway treadmill, which has two in-dwelling force plates (Kistler, Winterthur). The sampling rate was 1000 Hz. Data were collected for thirty seconds at four times during the walk, at 2500 m, 4500 m, 6500 m, and 8500 m. Statistical analysis consisted of repeated measures ANOVA.

There was a significant difference between the legs for first peak force (F1,13 = 32.6, P = .001, eta2 = .71, power = .99), weight acceptance rate (F1,13 = 14.5, P = .002, eta2 = .53, power = .94), and push-off rate (F1,13 = 36.2, P = .001, eta2 = .74, power = 1), although these differences did not change significantly with distance walked. There was also a significant difference between the legs’ step lengths (F1,13 = 30.1, P = .001, eta2 = .70, power = .99), midsupport forces (F1,13 = 9.6, P = .009, eta2 = .42, power = .82), and propulsive force peaks (F1,13 = 20.6, P = .001, eta2 = .61, power = .99); the overall values for these variables also increased significantly with distance walked (P < .001, P = .009, and P < .001 respectively). However, there was no effect of distance on the differences between the legs for any variable.

The results show significant leg dominance during race walking. Athletes should be aware that these imbalances need rectification to prevent injury and maintain efficient walking technique. The imbalances did not appear to worsen with the onset of fatigue although this may occur over the longer championship distances of 20 and 50 km.