Step-adaptive sound guidance enhances locomotor-respiratory coupling in novice female runners: A proof-of-concept study.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Many runners struggle to find a rhythm during running. This may be because 20-40% of runners experience unexplained, unpleasant breathlessness at exercise onset. Locomotor-respiratory coupling (LRC), a synchronization phenomenon in which the breath is precisely timed with the steps, may provide metabolic or perceptual benefits to address these limitations. It can also be consciously performed. Hence, we developed a custom smartphone application to provide real-time LRC guidance based on individual step rate.

Methods

Sixteen novice-intermediate female runners completed two control runs outdoors and indoors at a self-selected speed with auditory step rate feedback. Then, the runs were replicated with individualized breath guidance at specific LRC ratios. Hexoskin

SUBMITTER: Harbour E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10014560 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature