Is There an Economical Running Technique? A Review of Modifiable Biomechanical Factors Affecting Running Economy
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REVIEW ARTICLE
Is There an Economical Running Technique? A Review of Modifiable Biomechanical Factors Affecting Running Economy Isabel S. Moore1
Ó The Author(s) 2016. This article is published with open access at Springerlink.com
Abstract Running economy (RE) has a strong relationship with running performance, and modifiable running biomechanics are a determining factor of RE. The purposes of this review were to (1) examine the intrinsic and extrinsic modifiable biomechanical factors affecting RE; (2) assess training-induced changes in RE and running biomechanics; (3) evaluate whether an economical running technique can be recommended and; (4) discuss potential areas for future research. Based on current evidence, the intrinsic factors that appeared beneficial for RE were using a preferred stride length range, which allows for stride length deviations up to 3 % shorter than preferred stride length; lower vertical oscillation; greater leg stiffness; low lower limb moment of inertia; less leg extension at toe-off; larger stride angles; alignment of the ground reaction force and leg axis during propulsion; maintaining arm swing; low thigh antagonist–agonist muscular coactivation; and low activation of lower limb muscles during propulsion. Extrinsic factors associated with a better RE were a firm, compliant shoe–surface interaction and being barefoot or wearing lightweight shoes. Several other modifiable biomechanical factors presented inconsistent relationships with RE. Running biomechanics during ground contact appeared to play an important role, specifically those during propulsion. Therefore, this phase has the strongest direct links with RE. Recurring methodological problems exist within the literature, such as cross-comparisons, assessing variables in isolation, and acute to short-term interventions. Therefore, recommending a general & Isabel S. Moore [email protected] 1
Cardiff School of Sport, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff CF23 6XD, Wales, UK
economical running technique should be approached with caution. Future work should focus on interdisciplinary longitudinal investigations combining RE, kinematics, kinetics, and neuromuscular and anatomical aspects, as well as applying a synergistic approach to understanding the role of kinetics.
Key Points Running biomechanics during ground contact, particularly those related to propulsion, such as less leg extension at toe-off, larger stride angles, alignment of the ground reaction force and leg axis, and low activation of the lower limb muscles, appear to have the strongest direct links with running economy. Inconsistent findings and limited understanding still exist for several spatiotemporal, kinematic, kinetic, and neuromuscular factors and how they relate to running economy.
1 Introduction For competitive runners, decreasing the time needed to complete a race distance is crucial. Consequently, there is a need to understand the determinants of running performance. Several physiological determinants have been identified, which include a high ma
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