Changes in Leg-Spring Behavior during a 5000 m Self-Paced Run in Differently Trained Athletes

International audienceSummaryAimsTo explore whether fatigue-induced changes in spring-mass behavior during a 5000 m self-paced run varied according to the runner's training status.Methods and resultsSix highly- and six well-trained triathletes completed a 5000 m time trial. Running velocity and vertical stiffness decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with fatigue, whereas leg stiffness remained constant. None of these parameters displayed a significant interaction between fatigue and training status, despite vertical stiffness being higher (P < 0.05) in highly-trained triathletes.ConclusionsDuring a 5000 m self-paced run, impairments in leg-spring behavior that occur with fatigue are not affected by athletes’ training status