Does the Fatigue Induced by a 30-Minute Run Affect the Lower Limb Acceleration Spikes Asymmetries?

Running-induced fatigue affects several biomechanical parameters, yet few studies are focused on the acceleration spikes asymmetries. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a 30-minute run on lower limbs spikes’ asymmetries. Eighteen recreational runners per-formed the test at a moderate speed and acceleration spikes asymmetries and kinematic (temporal) parameters were measured via accelerometers -on tibias and sacrum- and 2D photogrammetry. Acceleration spikes parameters were continuously measured and aver-aged per minute to assess the relationship between fatigue and acceleration spike asym-metries via a linear regression model. Right tibial acceleration spikes increased over time (r = 0.9; p < 0.001) and left tibia spikes decreased (r = 0.78; p < 0.001), with a rise in tibial load asymmetry index from 9% at the start of the test to a 25% at the end (r = 0.98; P < 0.001). The study suggest that fatigue affects acceleration spike of both limbs differently, with increasingly greater acceleration spikes in the right-dominant leg. The findings should be considered, as greater asymmetries are related to overuse injuries and lower ef-ficiency. Also, in studies focusing on running mechanics with fatigue, it is recommended to collect data from both limbs, and not only from the right-dominant.