Positive Effects of Augmented Feedback to Reduce Time on Ground in Well-Trained Runners

Successful elite sprint to long-distance runners are known to have shorter ground contact times (GCT) than their less successful counterparts. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether augmented feedback (aF) about GCT can reduce the time on ground (TOG) per minute in long-distance runners and if so, whether this reduction improves running performance.; Thirty well-trained runners were allocated to three groups. The intervention group (IG) received visual aF about their GCT during eight high-intensity interval sessions in the 4-week training period and were instructed to minimize GCT. The 1(st) control group (CG1) trained with the IG but was not given any feedback. The 2(nd) control group (CG2) followed their own training routine. Data were obtained at pre- and post-intervention for all three groups. The dependent variable was TOG per minute, computed of step frequency and GCT.; The IG significantly reduced TOG (p = .043, -1.7%, with 90%CL -3.1; -0.3) and improved their mean 10 x 400 m performance time (p < .001, -1.5%, with 90%CL - 1.9; -1.1). In contrast, the two control groups revealed unchanged values indicating that normal high-intensity training and an individualized routine without aF were not able to reduce TOG. The fact that CG1 received the same instructions and participated in the same training sessions as the IG underlined that aF was crucial to reduce TOG.; The provision of aF about GCT seems to be a promising approach that should be considered during training practice of well-trained runners.