Mechanical power for trail and mountain running - Introduction of a parametric model.

Here, we present a model for calculating the mechanical power delivered by the metabolism while running in alpine settings. The aim is to quantify power for various conditions in trail and mountain running, using data from modern consumer sports watches and complementary acceleration sensors. After extending an existing analytical model by including collision losses, speed-dependent elastic energy storage, a force-rate contribution, and an additional power component accounting for upper-body movement, we generalize it to running uphill and downhill.

Does the terrain influence running critical power and biomechanics? An in-field study with highly trained trail runners.

This study aimed to assess the effects of three flat running surfaces (i.e. athletic track, road, and gravel) on the critical power (CP) parameters and running patterns of highly trained trail runners.

Editorial: Decoding endurance performance: from theory to practice.

Endurance performance results from a complex interaction of physiological, biomechanical, psychological, and perceptual factors. Despite decades of research, transforming theoretical models into effective, individualized strategies for athletes remains a key challenge. This Research Topic, Decoding Endurance Performance: From Theory to Practice, brings together interdisciplinary studies that advance our understanding of how runners prepare, adapt, and perform in real-world conditions.

Jump performance and handgrip strength do not reflect acute fatigue in elite trail runners after the 2023 world trail running championship.

Purpose: Fatigue manifests as a decline in maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), driven by both central and peripheral factors. Studies have shown reduced maximum isometric force in knee extensor and plantar flexor muscles after ultradistance trail running. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of jump tests [countermovement jump [CMJ] and 30 cm-height drop jump [DJ]] and handgrip strength tests in detecting acute neuromuscular fatigue among elite marathon trail runners following the 2023 Trail Running World Championship.

Pacing Strategy and Resulting Performance of Elite Trail Runners: Insights From the 2023 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships.

Purpose: Pacing is crucial in endurance sports such as running, and its importance is also prominent in trail running due to the unique challenges, including high elevation gains and varied terrain. This study aimed to explore the pacing strategies of elite athletes during the 2023 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships for the Trail Short distance.

Methods: The participants included 12 elite trail runners who provided their race data from sport watches for analysis.