Influence of Step Rate Manipulation on Foot Strike Pattern and Running Economy

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science

Background:

• Increasing interest in reducing running injuries and improving performance.
• Foot strike patterns (FSP) and step rate (SR) are key factors in managing running forces.
• Effects of SR manipulation on recreational runners' FSP and running economy (RE) are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine if SR manipulations are sufficient to shift FSP in recreational runners.
• To determine if altered SR and FSP influence running economy (RE).

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving 18 healthy recreational runners.
• 2D video motion analysis to calculate foot strike angle and predict strike index (FSP).
• Submaximal VO2 measurement on a treadmill to assess running economy (RE) at preferred and adjusted SRs (±5%, ±10%).

Main Results:

• Significant differences in predicted strike index were observed between preferred SR and adjusted SR conditions (-10%, -5%, +10%).
• Submaximal VO2 (RE) significantly increased in the -10% and -5% SR conditions.
• SR manipulations were sufficient to alter FSP and impact RE.

Conclusions:

• Step rate manipulation effectively alters foot strike patterns in recreational runners.
• Adjusting step rate leads to moderate to significant changes in running economy.
• Step rate manipulation is a potential tool for optimizing running performance and reducing injury risk.