Work

Analysis of gait characteristics to evaluate injury risk after high-intensity exercise, focusing on canoe athletes: a preliminary study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Objective: High-intensity exercise can alter gait characteristics in canoe athletes, potentially affecting performance and increasing injury risk due to muscle fatigue. This study aimed to analyse gait parameters before and after high-intensity exercise to identify fatigue-related injury risk factors. Methods: Twelve canoe athletes participated. After a brief treadmill acclimation (30-60 s), gait was assessed at three walking speeds: slow (80%), normal (100%), and fast (120%) of preferred speed-for 1 min each. An IMU based shoe-type data logger captured gait data immediately before and after a 30 s Wingate Anaerobic Test. Results: Significant changes were found in 20 gait parameters. Post-exercise, cadence, stride/step length, single/double support time, time of toe off, ankle ROM (dorsiflexion/plantarflexion, inversion/eversion), and centre of gravity (COG) displacement and velocity in X and Y directions increased. In contrast, COG displacement, velocity, and acceleration in the Z direction decreased. Conclusion: Gait analysis at slow speed after high-intensity effort highlights the importance of monitoring biomechanical and spatiotemporal changes. Detecting compensatory gait adjustments post-exercise may enable early identification of fatigue-related injury risks, supporting preventive strategies for canoe athletes.

Source: Frontiers in Sports and Active Living

DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2025.1652610

Authors: Seoungeun Kim, Minji Son, Seungmin Shin, Taewan Kim, Seungjun Choi

Institution: Kyungsung University

Language: English

Topic: Lower Extremity Biomechanics and Pathologies

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,353