The biomechanical characteristics of high-performance endurance running

Preece, SJ; Bramah, CA; Mason, D

Abstract

The biomechanical profile of high-level endurance runners may represent a useful model that could be used for developing training programmes designed to improve running style. This study, therefore, sought to compare the biomechanical characteristics of high-performance and recreational runners. Kinematic and kinetic measurements were taken during overground running from a cohort of 14 high-performance (8 male) and 14 recreational (8 male) runners, at four speeds ranging from 3.3 to 5.6 m s−1. Two-way ANOVA analysis was then used to explore group and speed effects and principal component analysis used to explore the interdependence of the tested variables. The data showed the high-performance runners to have a gait style characterised by an increased vertical velocity of the centre of mass and a flight time that was 11% longer than the recreational group. The high-performance group were also observed to adopt a forefoot strike pattern, to contact the ground with their foot closer to their body and to have a larger ankle moment. Importantly, although observed group differences were mostly independent of speed, the tested variables showed a high degree of interdependence suggesting an underlying unitary phenomenon. This is the first study to compare high-performance and recreational runners across a full range of kinematic and kinetic variables. The results suggest that high-performance runners maintain stride length with a prolonged aerial phase, rather than by landing with a more extended knee. These findings motivate future intervention studies that should investigate whether recreational runners could benefit from instruction to decrease shank inclination at foot contact.

Citation

Preece, S., Bramah, C., & Mason, D. (2019). The biomechanical characteristics of high-performance endurance running. European Journal of Sport Science, 19(6), 784-792. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2018.1554707

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 23, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Dec 15, 2018
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2019
• Deposit Date: Dec 21, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 15, 2019
• Journal: European Journal of Sport Science
• Print ISSN: 1746-1391
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Volume: 19
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 784-792
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2018.1554707
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2018.1554707
• Related Public URLs: https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/tejs20/current