Gait Asymmetry During a 5-Km Time Trail in Elite Runners: A Descriptive Study

The present study evaluated gait asymmetry in elite runners by quantifying the differences between ground contact times (GCTs) of the right and left foot and its continuous changes over the course of a 5-km time trial on a 400-m synthetic track. By means of the inertial sensor Axiamote, the GCT of every step was assessed. The results revealed an overall gait asymmetry of 2.6%, but no changes in gait asymmetry over the course of the 5-km time trial. On the bend, the GCTs of the left foot were significantly (p < .001) longer than the GCTs of the right foot, whereas no such differences were reported on the straight section. However, gait asymmetry remained the same for both the straight and bend Sects. (2.7 vs. 2.8%). Overall, no gender differences regarding gait asymmetry occurred. In conclusion, a low and consistent gait asymmetry between GCTs of both feet in male and female runners was observed.