Methodology for Improving Step Length Technique in Athletic Walking

Abstract

The athletic walking demands that athletes refine their stride length technique, as this determines their ability to achieve higher speeds with less energy expenditure, thus ensuring sustainable performance in competition. Based on this, the objective was to design a methodology to improve stride length and biomechanical parameters of athletic walking technique in different athlete categories. The study adopted a quantitative approach applied to a sample of four female athletes from the Chimborazo Sports Federation, with experience in national and international competitions. The biomechanical analysis included stride length and center of gravity positioning at different stages, processed using KINOVEA software version 0.9.5 and the SPSS 29.0 statistical package. The results showed an increase in stride length and greater center of gravity stability, with variations primarily associated with experience and individual characteristics, rather than competitive category. It is concluded that the developed methodology proved to be effective, as it allowed for an increase in step length and an appropriate adjustment of the center of gravity position, thus confirming its contribution to the optimization of athletic walking technique.