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Updated: Apr 5, 2026
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Published on: July 17, 2020
The Relationships between Age and Running Biomechanics
Paul Devita1, Rebecca E Fellin, Joseph F Seay
11Department of Kinesiology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC; 2Military Performance Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA; 3Department of Biostatistical Sciences and Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; and 4Department of Health and Exercise Science, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC.
Running biomechanics change gradually with age. This study found that older runners exhibit decreased velocity, stride length, and ground reaction forces, with significant declines in ankle torque and power. These age-related adaptations occur continuously throughout adulthood.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Gerontology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Running injuries are common, particularly in older adults.
- Existing research often compares young and old runners, neglecting age-related biomechanical changes across the lifespan.
- Understanding these continuous adaptations is crucial for injury prevention and performance optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between age and running biomechanics in adults aged 18-60.
- To determine the rate and progression of age-related gait adaptations in runners.
Main Methods:
- 110 experienced, healthy runners (54% male) participated.
- Motion and force data were collected during running at training pace.
- Kinematic, ground reaction force (GRF), and lower limb joint torque/power data were correlated with age using regression analyses.
Main Results:
- Running velocity decreased with age due to reduced stride length, not stride rate.
- Peak vertical and horizontal propulsive GRF declined with increasing age.
- Ankle torque and ankle power (both negative and positive) significantly decreased with age.
Conclusions:
- Findings align with previous research on reduced GRF, stride length, and velocity in older runners.
- This study uniquely quantifies the per-year rate of decline in running biomechanics.
- Age-related mechanical reductions were specific to the ankle, not the hip or knee, indicating localized biomechanical plasticity.
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