Efeito da fadiga do core na co-contração muscular de membro inferior de corredoras iniciantes durante os testes funcionais

Abstract

Novice female runners are prone to sports injuries, and poor core stabilization may contribute to this risk. Inadequate stabilization can lead to compensatory co-contraction of antagonist muscles in the lower limb, which may provide short-term stability but increase joint and ligament overload when sustained. This study examined the effect of core fatigue on hip, knee, and ankle co-contraction in novice female runners during the Step-Down Test, Single-Leg Hop for Distance, and Single-Leg Drop Landing Test. Thirty-four recreational runners performed the tasks before and after a core fatigue protocol, with electromyographic monitoring of lower limb muscles. Antagonist muscle pairs were analyzed, and participants were grouped according to initial co-contraction levels. Runners with lower initial co-contraction increased it after fatigue, while those with higher levels showed reduction or maintenance. These results suggest that core fatigue enhances compensatory strategies in distal segments, particularly in runners with lower initial co-contraction.