Human running can be achieved with a variety of different solutions leading to a subject specific running style [1]. Performance and injury related evaluation of this subject specific mean running pattern might therefore be difficult. Further, due to the large degree of freedom a natural variability is inherent to the movement pattern. Recent research suggests that this variability can be used to differentiate the running performance of trained and untrained runners [2]. However, it is not clear if the variability is sensitive enough to distinguish between the running quality of professional athletes. Method: 22 professional soccer players performed a running step test on a treadmill. Running speed started at 6 km/h and was increased by 2 km/h at specific time intervals. 6 km/h was run for 5 minutes, every following speed level was performed for 3 minutes. The treadmill was equipped with pressure sensors. Pressure data were recorded at 300 Hz for the second minute at every running speed. Running quality was evaluated by a physical therapist and a subjective questioner. Results: Variables related to the forward movement revealed a decrease of the coefficient of variation with increasing speed, while variables related to the vertical movement revealed a U-shape behaviour. Subject's running quality could be classified based on the treadmill variables (Classification rate 97%). Discussion: Variables measured with a pressure plate equipped treadmill could be used to classify the running quality of athletes. The results of this study may help in developing a measure for running quality. This can be used in the quantitative assessment of running quality in training centres.
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