There Is No Global Running Pattern More Economic Than Another at Endurance Running Speeds

Purpose: The subjective Volodalen® score (V®score) and the objective duty factor metric can both assess global running patterns. The authors aimed to investigate the relation between running economy (RE) at endurance running speeds and the global running pattern quantified using both subjective and objective measures. Methods: RE and 3-dimensional whole-body kinematics were acquired by indirect calorimetry and an optoelectronic system, respectively, for 52 trained runners during treadmill runs at 10, 12, and 14 km/h. Results: Correlations between RE and V®score and RE and duty factor were negligible and nonsignificant across speeds tested (P ≥ .20), except for a low and significant correlation between RE and V®score at 10 km/h. Conclusions: These findings suggest there is no global running pattern more economic than another at endurance running speeds. Therefore, there is no advantage of choosing, favoring, or prescribing one specific global running pattern along a continuum based on V®score or duty factor metrics, and coaches should not try to modify the spontaneous running pattern of runners at endurance running speed to improve RE.

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Does Characterizing Global Running Pattern Help to Prescribe Individualized Strength Training in Recreational Runners?

Frontiers in Physiology ◽

10.3389/fphys.2021.631637 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Aurélien Patoz ◽

Bastiaan Breine ◽

Adrien Thouvenot ◽

Laurent Mourot ◽

Cyrille Gindre ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Strength Training ◽

Running Economy ◽

Concurrent Training ◽

Training Intervention ◽

Endurance Running ◽

Significant Group ◽

Dynamic Weight ◽

Before And After ◽

Running Pattern ◽

Recreational Runners

This study aimed to determine if concurrent endurance and strength training that matches the global running pattern would be more effective in increasing running economy (RE) than non-matched training. The global running pattern of 37 recreational runners was determined using the Volodalen® method as being aerial (AER) or terrestrial (TER). Strength training consisted of endurance running training and either plyometric (PLY) or dynamic weight training (DWT). Runners were randomly assigned to a matched (n = 18; DWT for TER, PLY for AER) or non-matched (n = 19; DWT for AER, PLY for TER) 8 weeks concurrent training program. RE, maximal oxygen uptake V̇O2max) and peak treadmill speed at V̇O2max (PTS) were measured before and after the training intervention. None of the tested performance related variables depicted a significant group effect or interaction effect between training and grouping (p ≥ 0.436). However, a significant increase in RE, V̇O2max, and PTS (p ≤ 0.003) was found after the training intervention. No difference in number of responders between matched and non-matched groups was observed for any of the performance related variables (p ≥ 0.248). In recreational runners, prescribing PLT or DWT according to the global running pattern of individuals, in addition to endurance training, did not lead to greater improvements in RE.

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Running economy, not aerobic fitness, independently alters thermoregulatory responses during treadmill running

Journal of Applied Physiology ◽

10.1152/japplphysiol.00665.2014 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 117 (12) ◽

pp. 1451-1459 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Jovana Smoljanić ◽

Nathan B. Morris ◽

Sheila Dervis ◽

Ollie Jay

Keyword(s):

Aerobic Fitness ◽

Heat Balance ◽

Physical Characteristics ◽

Running Economy ◽

Treadmill Running ◽

Whole Body ◽

Maximum Oxygen Consumption ◽

Running Speed ◽

Metabolic Heat ◽

Thermoregulatory Responses

We sought to determine the independent influence of running economy (RE) and aerobic fitness [maximum oxygen consumption (V̇o2max)] on thermoregulatory responses during treadmill running by conducting two studies. In study 1, seven high (HI-FIT: 61 ± 5 ml O2·kg−1·min−1) and seven low (LO-FIT: 45 ± 4 ml O2·kg−1·min−1) V̇o2max males matched for physical characteristics and RE (HI-FIT: 200 ± 21; LO-FIT: 200 ± 18 ml O2·kg−1·km−1) ran for 60 min at 1) 60%V̇o2max and 2) a fixed metabolic heat production (Hprod) of 640 W. In study 2, seven high (HI-ECO: 189 ± 15.3 ml O2·kg−1·km−1) and seven low (LO-ECO: 222 ± 10 ml O2·kg−1·km−1) RE males matched for physical characteristics and V̇o2max (HI-ECO: 60 ± 3; LO-ECO: 61 ± 7 ml O2·kg−1·min−1) ran for 60 min at a fixed 1) speed of 10.5 km/h and 2) Hprod of 640 W. Environmental conditions were 25.4 ± 0.8°C, 37 ± 12% RH. In study 1, at Hprod of 640 W, similar changes in esophageal temperature (ΔTes; HI-FIT: 0.63 ± 0.20; LO-FIT: 0.63 ± 0.22°C; P = 0.986) and whole body sweat losses (WBSL; HI-FIT: 498 ± 66; LO-FIT: 497 ± 149 g; P = 0.984) occurred despite different relative intensities (HI-FIT: 55 ± 6; LO-FIT: 39 ± 2% V̇o2max; P < 0.001). At 60% V̇o2max, ΔTes ( P = 0.029) and WBSL ( P = 0.003) were greater in HI-FIT (1.14 ± 0.32°C; 858 ± 130 g) compared with LO-FIT (0.73 ± 0.34°C; 609 ± 123 g), as was Hprod (HI-FIT: 12.6 ± 0.9; LO-FIT: 9.4 ± 1.0 W/kg; P < 0.001) and the evaporative heat balance requirement (Ereq; HI-FIT: 691 ± 74; LO-FIT: 523 ± 65 W; P < 0.001). Similar sweating onset ΔTes and thermosensitivities occurred between V̇o2max groups. In study 2, at 10.5 km/h, ΔTes (1.16 ± 0.31 vs. 0.78 ± 0.28°C; P = 0.017) and WBSL (835 ± 73 vs. 667 ± 139 g; P = 0.015) were greater in LO-ECO, as was Hprod (13.5 ± 0.6 vs. 11.3 ± 0.8 W/kg; P < 0.001) and Ereq (741 ± 89 vs. 532 ± 130 W; P = 0.007). At Hprod of 640 W, ΔTes ( P = 0.910) and WBSL ( P = 0.710) were similar between HI-ECO (0.55 ± 0.31°C; 501 ± 88 g) and LO-ECO (0.57 ± 0.16°C; 483 ± 88 g), but running speed was different (HI-ECO: 8.2 ± 0.6; LO-ECO: 7.2 ± 0.4 km/h; P = 0.025). In conclusion, thermoregulatory responses during treadmill running are not altered by V̇o2max, but by RE because of differences in Hprod and Ereq.

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Pacing and Changes in Body Composition in 48 h Ultra-Endurance Running—A Case Study

Sports ◽

10.3390/sports6040136 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 (4) ◽

pp. 136 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Beat Knechtle ◽

Thomas Rosemann ◽

Pantelis Nikolaidis

Keyword(s):

Body Mass ◽

Bioelectrical Impedance ◽

Impedance Analysis ◽

Body Water ◽

Valuable Insight ◽

Endurance Running ◽

Running Speed ◽

Anthropometric Characteristics ◽

Ultra Endurance

Pacing has been investigated in elite and master runners competing in marathon and ultra-marathon races up to 100 km and 100 miles, but not in longer ultra-marathons. In this case study, a 54-year-old master ultra-marathoner—intending to achieve as many kilometers as possible in a 48 h run—was examined. The changes in running speed during the race and selected anthropometric characteristics using bioelectrical impedance analysis (i.e., body mass and body water), during and after the race, were analyzed. The runner achieved a total distance of 230 km and running speed decreased non-linearly during the race. Body mass decreased, while percent body water increased, non-linearly, across the race. There was no statistically significant relationship between the decrease in body mass and the increase in percent body water. Considering the popularity of ultra-endurance running races, the findings of the present study offered valuable insight in the pacing and changes of body mass and body water during a 48 h run, and this information can be used by ultra-endurance runners and practitioners working with them.

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Internal mechanical work and maximum subtalar joint pronation in different gradients

Fisioterapia em Movimento ◽

10.1590/1980-5918.032.ao03 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 32 ◽

Author(s):

Karina Azevedo Lopes ◽

Mayara Maciel Batista ◽

Letícia Martins ◽

André Luiz Kiihn ◽

Marcos Roberto Queiroga ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Repeated Measures ◽

Running Economy ◽

Mechanical Work ◽

Distance Runners ◽

Long Distance ◽

Running Speed ◽

The Social ◽

Complex Relationships ◽

Student’S T ◽

Student’S T Test

Abstract Introduction: Some authors have described the importance of physiological intensity in the behavior of the biomechanical aspects of running (for example, subtalar pronation), but the complex relationships between these variables are not yet well understood. Objective: This study investigated the influence of positive gradients on internal mechanical work (Wint) and maximum subtalar pronation at a submaximal running speed. Method: Sixteen male, trained long-distance runners (age: 29 ± 7 yr; stature: 1.72 ± 0.07 m; body mass: 72.1 ± 10.6 kg), performed four running economy tests (gradients: +1%, +5%, +10% and +15%, respectively) for four minutes at a same submaximal running speed to quantify the maximum values of subtalar pronation and predict the Wint values. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Student’s T-test, and one-way repeated-measures (ANOVA) along with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Results: Wint increased according to the gradient (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in the maximum values of maximum subtalar pronation corresponding to each gradient. Conclusion: Results show the maximum subtalar pronation during submaximal running depends on the speed rather than intensity of effort.

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Effect of tapering after a period of high-volume sprint interval training on running performance and muscular adaptations in moderately trained runners

Journal of Applied Physiology ◽

10.1152/japplphysiol.00472.2017 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 124 (2) ◽

pp. 259-267 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Casper Skovgaard ◽

Nicki Winfield Almquist ◽

Thue Kvorning ◽

Peter Møller Christensen ◽

Jens Bangsbo

Keyword(s):

Oxygen Uptake ◽

Short Duration ◽

Vastus Lateralis ◽

Interval Training ◽

High Volume ◽

Running Economy ◽

Vastus Lateralis Muscle ◽

Sprint Interval Training ◽

Before And After ◽

Trained Runners

The effect of tapering following a period of high-volume sprint interval training (SIT) and a basic volume of aerobic training on performance and muscle adaptations in moderately trained runners was examined. Eleven (8 men, 3 women) runners [maximum oxygen uptake (V̇o2max): 56.8 ± 2.9 ml·min−1·kg−1; mean ± SD] conducted high-volume SIT (HV; 20 SIT sessions; 8–12 × 30 s all-out) for 40 days followed by 18 days of tapering (TAP; 4 SIT sessions; 4 × 30 s all-out). Before and after HV as well as midway through and at the end of TAP, the subjects completed a 10-km running test and a repeated running test at 90% of vV̇o2max to exhaustion (RRT). In addition, a biopsy from the vastus lateralis muscle was obtained at rest. Performance during RRT was better ( P < 0.01) at the end of TAP than before HV (6.8 ± 0.5 vs. 5.6 ± 0.5 min; means ± SE), and 10-km performance was 2.7% better ( P < 0.05) midway through (40.7 ± 0.7 min) and at the end of (40.7 ± 0.6 min) TAP than after HV (41.8 ± 0.9 min). The expression of muscle Na+-K+-ATPase (NKA)α1, NKAβ1, phospholemman (FXYD1), and sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium transport ATPase (SERCA1) increased ( P < 0.05) during HV and remained higher during TAP. In addition, oxygen uptake at 60% of vV̇o2max was lower ( P < 0.05) at the end of TAP than before and after HV. Thus short-duration exercise capacity and running economy were better than before the HV period together with higher expression of muscle proteins related to Na+/K+ transport and Ca2+ reuptake, while 10-km performance was not significantly improved by the combination of HV and tapering. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Short-duration performance became better after 18 days of tapering from ~6 wk of high-volume sprint interval training (SIT), whereas 10-km performance was not significantly affected by the combination of high-volume SIT and tapering. Higher expression of muscle NKAα1, NKAβ1, FXYD1, and SERCA1 may reflect faster Na+/K+ transport and Ca2+ reuptake that could explain the better short-duration performance. These results suggest that the type of competition should determine the duration of tapering to optimize performance.

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Influence of Shoe Mass on Performance and Running Economy in Trained Runners

Frontiers in Physiology ◽

10.3389/fphys.2020.573660 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Víctor Rodrigo-Carranza ◽

Fernando González-Mohíno ◽

Jordan Santos-Concejero ◽

Jose Maria González-Ravé

Keyword(s):

Running Economy ◽

Trained Runners

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Submaximal Markers of Fatigue and Overreaching; Implications for Monitoring Athletes

International Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1055/s-0043-110226 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 38 (09) ◽

pp. 675-682 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

André Siegl ◽

Elisa M. Kösel ◽

Nicholas Tam ◽

Susanne Koschnick ◽

Nelleke Langerak ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Rate ◽

Muscle Soreness ◽

Perceived Exertion ◽

Heart Rate Recovery ◽

Treadmill Running ◽

Ratings Of Perceived Exertion ◽

Running Speed ◽

Early Symptoms ◽

Delayed Onset ◽

Trained Runners

AbstractThe regular monitoring of athletes is important to fine-tune training and detect early symptoms of overreaching. Therefore the aim of this study was to determine if a noninvasive submaximal running test could reflect a state of overreaching. 14 trained runners completed a noninvasive Lamberts Submaximal Running Test, one week before and 2 days after finishing an ultramarathon, and delayed onset of muscle soreness and the daily analysis of life demands for athletes questionnaire were also captured. After the ultramarathon, submaximal heart rate was lower at 70% (−3 beats) and 85% of peak treadmill running speed (P<0.01). Ratings of perceived exertion were higher at 60% (2 units) and 85% (one unit) of peak treadmill running speed, while 60-second heart rate recovery was significantly faster (7 beats, P<0.001). Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness scores and the number of symptoms of stress (Daily Analysis of Life Demands for Athletes) were also higher after the ultramarathon (P<0.01). The current study shows that the Lamberts Submaximal Running Test is able to reflect early symptoms of overreaching. Responses to acute fatigue and overreaching were characterized by counterintuitive responses, such as lower submaximal heart rates and faster heart rate recovery, while ratings of perceived exertion were higher.

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Increase in Leg Stiffness Reduces Joint Work During Backpack Carriage Running at Slow Velocities

Journal of Applied Biomechanics ◽

10.1123/jab.2016-0226 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 33 (5) ◽

pp. 347-353 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Bernard Liew ◽

Kevin Netto ◽

Susan Morris

Keyword(s):

Linear Models ◽

Running Economy ◽

Joint Work ◽

Economy Running ◽

Leg Stiffness ◽

Kinematic Method ◽

Running Pattern ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship ◽

Healthy Participants

Optimal tuning of leg stiffness has been associated with better running economy. Running with a load is energetically expensive, which could have a significant impact on athletic performance where backpack carriage is involved. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of load magnitude and velocity on leg stiffness. We also explored the relationship between leg stiffness and running joint work. Thirty-one healthy participants ran overground at 3 velocities (3.0, 4.0, 5.0 m·s−1), whilst carrying 3 load magnitudes (0%, 10%, 20% weight). Leg stiffness was derived using the direct kinetic-kinematic method. Joint work data was previously reported in a separate study. Linear models were used to establish relationships between leg stiffness and load magnitude, velocity, and joint work. Our results found that leg stiffness did not increase with load magnitude. Increased leg stiffness was associated with reduced total joint work at 3.0 m·s−1, but not at faster velocities. The association between leg stiffness and joint work at slower velocities could be due to an optimal covariation between skeletal and muscular components of leg stiffness, and limb attack angle. When running at a relatively comfortable velocity, greater leg stiffness may reflect a more energy efficient running pattern.

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The Effects of Wearing Undersized Lower-Body Compression Garments on Endurance Running Performance

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.6.2.160 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 160-173 ◽

Cited By ~ 39

Author(s):

Ben J. Dascombe ◽

Trent K. Hoare ◽

Joshua A. Sear ◽

Peter R. Reaburn ◽

Aaron T. Scanlan

Keyword(s):

Oxygenation Index ◽

Running Economy ◽

Time To Exhaustion ◽

Lower Body ◽

Endurance Running ◽

Venous Flow ◽

Compression Garments ◽

Running Performance ◽

Endurance Running Performance ◽

Physiological Benefits

Purpose:To examine whether wearing various size lower-body compression garments improves physiological and performance parameters related to endurance running in well-trained athletes.Methods:Eleven well-trained middle-distance runners and triathletes (age: 28.4 ± 10.0 y; height: 177.3 ± 4.7 cm; body mass: 72.6 ± 8.0 kg; VO2max: 59.0 ± 6.7 mL·kg–1·min–1) completed repeat progressive maximal tests (PMT) and time-to-exhaustion (TTE) tests at 90% VO2max wearing either manufacturer-recommended LBCG (rLBCG), undersized LBCG (uLBCG), or loose running shorts (CONT). During all exercise testing, several systemic and peripheral physiological measures were taken.Results:The results indicated similar effects of wearing rLBCG and uLBCG compared with the control. Across the PMT, wearing either LBCG resulted in significantly (P < .05) increased oxygen consumption, O2 pulse, and deoxyhemoglobin (HHb) and decreased running economy, oxyhemoglobin, and tissue oxygenation index (TOI) at low-intensity speeds (8–10 km·h–1). At higher speeds (12–18 km·h-1), wearing LBCG increased regional blood fow (nTHI) and HHb values, but significantly lowered heart rate and TOI. During the TTE, wearing either LBCG significantly (P < .05) increased HHb concentration, whereas wearing uLBCG also significantly (P < .05) increased nTHI. No improvement in endurance running performance was observed in either compression condition.Conclusion:The results suggest that wearing LBCG facilitated a small number of cardiorespiratory and peripheral physiological benefits that appeared mostly related to improvements in venous flow. However, these improvements appear trivial to athletes, as they did not correspond to any improvement in endurance running performance.

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