| In recent years, fitness professionals have emphasized the importance of sport specific stability training. During extended running, the neuromuscular system of the runner must continually respond to altered muscle and/or neural function associated with the exercise. Fatigue reduces neuromuscular control and may increase susceptibility to strain injury in the affected muscles. Research has demonstrated that increased ground reaction force (GRF) production and improved proprioceptive capabilities may reduce the likelihood of lower extremity injuries due to the incorporation of stabilization awareness (M. A. Daley & Biewener, 2006; Fredericson & Moore, 2005). This study critically examined single leg stabilization and its association with critical velocity (CV) in marathon runners who have completed 26.2 miles within four hours or less. The data collected may assist in understanding the relationship between CV and stability, GRF production, and the subsequent decline in lower extremity stability throughout increased fatigue. The information obtained may lead to advances in running gait, efficiency and injury prevention during an extended duration of maximal output exercise through the incorporation of stability and power techniques within a specific training program design. |
