The Relationship Between Running Economy and Biomechanical Variables in Distance Runners
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- Marcus Peikriszwili Tartaruga, Jeanick Brisswalter, Leonardo Alexandre Peyré‐Tartaruga, Aluísio Otávio Vargas Ávila, Cristine Lima Alberton, Marcelo Coertjens, Eduardo Lusa Cadore, Carlos Leandro Tiggemann, Eduardo Marczwski Silva, Luiz Fernando Martins Kruel
- Journal
- Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport
- Year
- 2012
- Citations
- 161
Abstract
In this study, we analyzed the relationship between running economy (RE) and biomechanical parameters in a group running at the same relative intensity and same absolute velocity. Sixteen homogeneous male long-distance runners performed a test to determine RE at 4.4 m.s(-1), corresponding to 11.1% below velocity at the ventilatory threshold. We found significant correlations between RE and biomechanical variables (vertical oscillation of the center of mass, stride frequency, stride length, balance time, relative stride length, range of elbow motion, internal knee, ankle angles at foot strike, and electromyographic activity of the semitendinosus and rectus femoris muscles). In conclusion, changes in running technique can influence RE and lead to improved running performance.