An Exploratory Study on the Correlation Between Reactive Agility and Downhill Trail Running Performance in Amateur Trail Runners

Abstract

Agility appears to be an important skill in the downhill sections of trail running; however, its actual role in the performance of this sport is unknown. The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation of reactive agility (RA) and certain biomechanical parameters with the performance of runners when performing trail running descents. Nine amateur trail runners (four women and five men) performed a session of change of direction, RA, and 15 m linear sprint tests. In a second session, they performed a trail running race of 400 m with a negative elevation gain of 40 m. The relationship between the variables obtained in both sessions was evaluated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The results revealed significant correlations of performance during the trail running descent, with the time of the 15 m linear sprint (r = 0.77, ρ ≤ 0.05.), 5 m linear sprint (r = 0.79, ρ ≤ 0.05.), and with the reaction time in the reactive agility test with a sport-specific stimulus (r = 0.82, ρ ≤ 0.05.). The correlations found in the tests suggest that reactive agility skills and acceleration abilities have a significant relationship with performance on downhill sections in trail running.