Reliability of Running Economy Measurements: Influence of Shoe Familiarisation
Anders Nielsen1, Christian Heyde2, Morten Bilde Simonsen3
1Sport Sciences, Aalborg Universitet, Aalborg East, Denmark.
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|August 4, 2022
Summary
Shoe familiarity may not impact running economy measurements. Reliable running economy data can be obtained within a single day, potentially using multiple familiarization sessions for subtle differences.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Running economy is a key determinant of endurance performance.
- Accurate measurement of running economy is crucial for evaluating training interventions and footwear efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if running economy measurement reliability differs between familiar and unfamiliar running shoes.
- To assess the impact of shoe familiarity on the repeatability and reproducibility of running economy.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-seven runners participated, performing steady-state treadmill running in both familiar and unfamiliar shoes.
- Running economy was measured across three sessions over two visits, with two trials per condition.
- Reliability metrics included coefficient of variation, standard deviation of differences, and limits of agreement.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in running economy repeatability (within-visit) were found across shoe conditions.
- A marginal difference in reproducibility (between-visit) was observed for the coefficient of variation.
- Repeatability was consistently higher than reproducibility, with improved repeatability from visit 2 to visit 3.
Conclusions:
- Shoe familiarization may not be necessary for reliable running economy measurements.
- Assessing running economy within the same day is recommended for evaluating running shoe benefits.
- Multiple familiarization sessions may enhance reliability when detecting small differences between shoe conditions.
