Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol 63, Issue 3 1236-1245, Copyright © 1987 by American Physiological Society

ARTICLES

Relationship between distance running mechanics, running economy, and performance

K. R. Williams and P. R. Cavanagh
Department of Physical Education, University of California, Davis 95616.

The relationships between biocmechanical aspects of distance running, running economy (VO2 submax), and performance were investigated. A variety of biomechanical measures for 31 subjects running at 3.6 m/s was obtained, including three-dimensional angular and translational kinematics, ground reaction forces and center of pressure patterns, mechanical power, and anthropometric measures. Physiological measures obtained included maximal and submaximal O2 consumption, muscle fiber composition, and measures of the ability to store and return elastic energy during knee bends. A subset of 16 runners was also evaluated in relation to performance in a 10-km run. Biomechanical variables were identified which showed significant differences or consistent trends between groups separated on the basis of VO2 submax, establishing the importance of biomechanical influences on running economy. It appears that no single variable or small subset of variables can explain differences in economy between individuals but rather that economy is related to a weighted sum of the influences of many variables.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				Z He, Y Hu, L Feng, Y Li, G Liu, Y Xi, L Wen, and A Lucia NRF-1 genotypes and endurance exercise capacity in young Chinese men Br. J. Sports Med., May 1, 2008; 42(5): 361 - 366. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				V Segers, D D. Clercq, M Janssens, J Bourgois, and R Philippaerts Running economy in early and late maturing youth soccer players does not differ Br. J. Sports Med., April 1, 2008; 42(4): 289 - 294. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. Arampatzis, G. De Monte, K. Karamanidis, G. Morey-Klapsing, S. Stafilidis, and G.-P. Bruggemann Influence of the muscle-tendon unit's mechanical and morphological properties on running economy J. Exp. Biol., September 1, 2006; 209(17): 3345 - 3357. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. Unger, M. Faure, and A. Frieg Strength training in adolescent learners with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial Clinical Rehabilitation, June 1, 2006; 20(6): 469 - 477. [Abstract] [PDF]

				C. Marconi, M. Marzorati, D. Sciuto, A. Ferri, and P. Cerretelli Economy of locomotion in high-altitude Tibetan migrants exposed to normoxia J. Physiol., December 1, 2005; 569(2): 667 - 675. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				D A Baden, T L McLean, R Tucker, T D Noakes, A St Clair Gibson, and A M Hunter Effect of anticipation during unknown or unexpected exercise duration on rating of perceived exertion, affect, and physiological function * Commentary Br. J. Sports Med., October 1, 2005; 39(10): 742 - 746. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				P. E. di Prampero, S. Fusi, L. Sepulcri, J. B. Morin, A. Belli, and G. Antonutto Sprint running: a new energetic approach J. Exp. Biol., July 15, 2005; 208(14): 2809 - 2816. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]