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Int J Sports Med 2014; 35(13): 1118-1123
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1372640
Orthopedics & Biomechanics
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Interaction Effects of Stride Angle and Strike Pattern on Running Economy

J. Santos-Concejero
1   UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
2   Physical Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
,
N. Tam
1   UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
,
C. Granados
2   Physical Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
,
J. Irazusta
3   Physiology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
,
I. Bidaurrazaga-Letona
2   Physical Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
,
J. Zabala-Lili
2   Physical Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
,
S. M. Gil
2   Physical Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History



accepted after revision 20 February 2014

Publication Date:
30 June 2014 (online)

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Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between stride angle and running economy (RE) in athletes with different foot strike patterns. 30 male runners completed 4 min running stages on a treadmill at different velocities. During the test, biomechanical variables such as stride angle, swing time, contact time, stride length and frequency were recorded using an optical measurement system. Their foot strike pattern was determined, and VO2 at velocities below the lactate threshold were measured to calculate RE. Midfoot/forefoot strikers had better RE than rearfoot strikers (201.5±5.6 ml · kg−1 · km−1 vs. 213.5±4.2 ml · kg−1 · km−1respectively; p=0.019). Additionally, midfoot/fore­foot strikers presented higher stride angles than rearfoot strikers (p=0.043). Linear modelling analysis showed that stride angle is closely related to RE (r=0.62, p<0.001) and that the effect of stride angle on RE was different in the 2 groups. From an arbitrary value of 4°, a rearfoot strike pattern is likely to be more economical, whereas at any lower degree, the midfoot/forefoot strike pattern appears to be more desirable. A biomechanical running technique characterised by high stride angles and a midfoot/forefoot strike pattern is advantageous for a better RE. Athletes may find stride angle useful for improving RE.

Key words

biomechanics - ground contact - performance - correlation - rearfoot - midfoot/forefoot
 

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