Skyscraper running: Physiological and biomechanical profile of a novel sport activity

Alberto Enrico Minetti, Dario Cazzola, Elena Seminati, M Giacometti, GS Roi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

Skyscraper running is here analyzed in terms of mechanical and metabolic requirements, both at the general and at the individual level. Skyscraper runners' metabolic profile has been inferred from the total mechanical power estimated in 36 world records (48-421 m tall buildings), ranked by gender and age range. Individual athlete's performance (n=13) has been experimentally investigated during the Pirelli Vertical Sprint, with data loggers for altitude and heart rate (HR). At a general level, a non-linear regression of Wilkie's model relating maximal mechanical power to event duration revealed the gender and age differences in terms of maximum aerobic power and anaerobic energy resources particularly needed at the beginning of the race. The total mechanical power was found to be partitioned among: the fraction devolved to raise the body center of mass , the need to accelerate the limbs with respect to the body , and running in turns between flights of stairs . At the individual level, experiments revealed that these athletes show a metabolic profile similar to middle-distance runners. Furthermore, best skyscraper runners maintain a constant vertical speed and HR throughout the race, while others suddenly decelerate, negatively affecting the race performance.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)293-301
Number of pages9
JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports
Volume21
Issue number2
Early online date18 Dec 2009
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2011

Keywords

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Altitude
  • Athletic Performance
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Female
  • Heart Rate
  • Humans
  • Lactic Acid
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Running

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