Effect of auditory-based cadence intervention on the runner's cadence

INTERVENTION: Behavioral : This study is a randomized controlled trial designed to investigate the effects of an auditory cadence intervention and the retention of running cadence through motor learning in an outdoor running environment. Participants who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria will undergo a baseline assessment and will then be randomly allocated to either the experimental group or the control group at a 1:1 ratio. Randomization will be performed using a computer‐generated randomization program, and the allocation sequence will be concealed to prevent prediction of group assignment before enrollment. During the baseline assessment, all participants will perform 10 minutes of outdoor running at their preferred running speed and cadence without auditory cues or additional instructions. During the run, the device display will be restricted so that participants cannot view their real‐time running speed or cadence. Based on the collected data, average running speed, average cadence, stride length, Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE), and percentage of maximum heart rate (%HRmax) will be calculated and used as individual baseline values. Participants in the experimental group will receive a metronome‐based auditory cue corresponding to a cadence that is 7.5% higher than their preferred cadence measured during the baseline assessment and will undergo the intervention for four weeks. If the target cadence does not reach 170 steps per minute (SPM), the target cadence will be adjusted up to 10% above the preferred cadence according to previous recommendations. Auditory cues will be generated using the Metronome application (Version 3.4.3, Ony XApps, USA) and delivered through Bluetooth earphones (AirPods 3, Apple Inc., USA). A fading protocol will be applied to facilitate motor learning and reduce dependence on external auditory cues. During Week 1, auditory cues will be provided throughout the entire running session. During Weeks 2 and 3, auditory cues will be provided for 50% and 25% of the running distance, respectively. During Week 4, auditory cues will not be provided, and participants will receive only verbal instructions to maintain the target cadence voluntarily. Participants in the control group will perform outdoor running under the same conditions as the experimental group, including the same intervention period (4 weeks), location, time of day, exercise duration, and exercise intensity, but no auditory cues for cadence modification will be provided. In addition, no fading protocol or other forms of auditory feedback will be applied. After each running session, participants will receive information regarding their cadence, stride length, and average running speed only. Participants in both groups will be instructed to maintain their running speed within ±5% of their baseline average speed to ensure that changes in cadence are not attributable to changes in running speed. All running sessions will be conducted on the same outdoor course at the same time of day, with a minimum interval of 48 hours between intervention sessions. Participants CONDITION: Factors influencing health status and contact with health services PRIMARY OUTCOME: Running cadence (steps/min) SECONDARY OUTCOME: Average running pace (min/km) Average running speed (km/h) Heart Rate (beats/min) Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE, Borg 6–20 Scale) INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1) Men and women aged 18 to 59 years. 2) Individuals who regularly run a minimum of 10 km per week, divided into at least two running sessions. 3) Individuals capable of continuous running for at least 30 minutes. 4) Individuals with a habitual running cadence of less than 170 steps per minute (SPM).