The relationship between running biomechanics and running economy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Van Hooren, B., Jukic, I., Cox, M., Frenken, K. G., Bautista, I. J. and Moore, I. S. (2024) The relationship between running biomechanics and running economy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Sports Medicine, 54 (5). pp. 1269-1316. ISSN 1179-2035

[thumbnail of The version of record of this article, first published in Sports Medicine is available online at Publisher’s website https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-024-01997-3 © 2024 The Author(s).]
Preview
Text (The version of record of this article, first published in Sports Medicine is available online at Publisher’s website https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-024-01997-3 © 2024 The Author(s).)
The relationship between running biomechanics and running economy.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution 4.0.

Download (5MB) | Preview

Abstract

Running biomechanics is considered an important determinant of running economy (RE). However, studies examining associations between running biomechanics and RE report inconsistent findings. The aim of this systematic review was to determine associations between running biomechanics and RE and explore potential causes of inconsistency. Three databases were searched and monitored up to April 2023. Observational studies were included if they (i) examined associations between running biomechanics and RE, or (ii) compared running biomechanics between groups differing in RE, or (iii) compared RE between groups differing in running biomechanics during level, constant-speed, and submaximal running in healthy humans (18-65 years). Risk of bias was assessed using a modified tool for observational studies and considered in the results interpretation using GRADE. Meta-analyses were performed when two or more studies reported on the same outcome. Meta-regressions were used to explore heterogeneity with speed, coefficient of variation of height, mass, and age as continuous outcomes, and standardization of running shoes, oxygen versus energetic cost, and correction for resting oxygen or energy cost as categorical outcomes. Fifty-one studies (n = 1115 participants) were included. Most spatiotemporal outcomes showed trivial and non-significant associations with RE: contact time r = - 0.02 (95% confidence interval [CI] - 0.15 to 0.12); flight time r = 0.11 (- 0.09 to 0.32); stride time r = 0.01 (- 0.8 to 0.50); duty factor r = - 0.06 (- 0.18 to 0.06); stride length r = 0.12 (- 0.15 to 0.38), and swing time r = 0.12 (- 0.13 to 0.36). A higher cadence showed a small significant association with a lower oxygen/energy cost (r = - 0.20 [- 0.35 to - 0.05]). A smaller vertical displacement and higher vertical and leg stiffness showed significant moderate associations with lower oxygen/energy cost (r = 0.35, - 0.31, - 0.28, respectively). Ankle, knee, and hip angles at initial contact, midstance or toe-off as well as their range of motion, peak vertical ground reaction force, mechanical work variables, and electromyographic activation were not significantly associated with RE, although potentially relevant trends were observed for some outcomes. Running biomechanics can explain 4-12% of the between-individual variation in RE when considered in isolation, with this magnitude potentially increasing when combining different variables. Implications for athletes, coaches, wearable technology, and researchers are discussed in the review.

Publication Type: Articles
Uncontrolled Keywords: athletes, coaches, wearable technology, spatiotemporal variables, ground contact time, duty factor, lower vertical displacement, high vertical, leg stiffness, biomechanical variables
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV201 Physical education and training
G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV557 Sports
G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV557 Sports > GV711 Coaching
Q Science > QM Human anatomy
Q Science > QP Physiology
Divisions: Academic Areas > Institute of Sport > Area > Sport and Exercise Psychology and Research Methods
Academic Areas > Institute of Sport > Research Theme > Enhancing Sport Performance
Research Entities > Centre for Health and Allied Sport and Exercise Science Research (CHASER)
SWORD Depositor: Publications Router Jisc
Depositing User: Publications Router Jisc
Date Deposited: 20 Mar 2024 09:33
Last Modified: 04 Jun 2024 14:06
URI: https://eprints.chi.ac.uk/id/eprint/7424

Actions (login required)

View Item
View Item
▲ Top

Our address

I’m looking for