Kinetics of recovery and normalization of running biomechanics following aerobic-based exercise-induced muscle damage in recreational male runners

Irit Markus, Adi Arutiunian, Evyatar Ohayon, Maria Holodov, David Peled, Roi Yavetz, Noam Ben-Eliezer, Antonio Dello Iacono, Yftach Gepner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objectives: The study aimed to examine the effects of exercise-induced muscle damage on running kinetics. Design: Twenty-six adult recreational male runners performed 60 min of downhill running (− 10 %) at 65 % of maximal heart rate. Running gait changes, systemic and localized muscle damage markers were assessed pre - and post-exercise induced muscle damage protocol. Methods: Running gait was analyzed using a 3D treadmill at baseline, immediately post, 24 h, and 48 h to determine changes in running pressure sway and vertical ground reaction forces. Blood markers, subjective pain perception, and magnetic resonance imaging utilizing T2 relaxation time of the thigh muscles assessed systemic and localized damage. Linear mixed-effects models examined changes over time. Results: Significant decreases were found in the left leg's first (− 454.0 to − 396.1, P < 0.05) and second (− 532.8 to − 498.2, P < 0.05) VGRF peaks across all time points compared to baseline. The right leg showed reductions in the first vertical ground reaction forced peak at immediately post (− 348.4, P = 0.036) and the second peak at immediately post and 24 h (− 467.4 and − 396.8, P < 0.05). Creatine kinase increased significantly (P < 0.001) at 24 h and 48 h compared to baseline. The anterior thigh muscle compartment showed significant (P < 0.05) increases in mean T2 values 1 h following exercise protocol remained elevated up to 48 h. Negative correlations were identified between running biomechanics to local and systemic muscle damage markers. Conclusions: Running biomechanics remained impaired for up to 48 h following exercise induced muscle damage and correlated with markers of muscle damage using magnetic resonance imaging.

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Science and Medicine in Sport
DOIs
StateAccepted/In press - 2025

Keywords

  • Creatine kinase
  • Downhill running
  • Ground reaction forces
  • Lactate dehydrogenase
  • Magnetic resonance imaging

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

Cite this