Ixelles

Distance running is a widely popular and accessible form of exercise that offers many health benefits and helps protect against chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. However, there is a high rate of running-related injuries, especially among novice runners, who experience more injuries compared to highly trained runners. This research explores the presence and impact of functional asymmetry, such as unequal strength between legs, on injury risk and running performance, which remains unclear. The study focuses on developing and testing a new running-specific field-based test battery to measure lower limb asymmetry in different groups of distance runners and non-athletes. Participants include novice, moderately trained, and highly trained distance runners, as well as a control group of non-athletes. The study evaluates the reliability of the test battery by repeating tests over multiple occasions. Tests include various strength and endurance assessments, hop tests, ankle motion range, and running performance measures. These tests are performed at baseline, two weeks, and four weeks after baseline to monitor changes and consistency over time. During the study, participants undergo assessments of lean mass, fat mass, bone density, body water content, and phase angle. Physical performance tests such as vertical and horizontal hop tests, side bridge endurance, hip and knee strength, ankle strength, and the Cooper test are conducted at scheduled intervals. Running dynamics like contact time, flight time, and stride length are measured to understand the relationship between limb asymmetry and running performance. The study follows participants aged 20 to 50 years, measuring these outcomes to assess the association between asymmetry and performance.