Effects of step rate based gait training on running biomechanics: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Step rate based gait training is a useful method of dealing with running related injuries, though many methods exist to increase step rate. No systematic review has been performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the different intervention strategies.

The primary aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of different step rate based gait retraining intervention magnitudes, durations, and modalities on step rate during running.

A systematic electronic search was performed using PubMed and Web of Science databases to identify studies meeting inclusion criteria published before September 2024. Included studies sought to change running step rate in adult runners and measured this change. Methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Pre-post comparisons of step rate were made for each intervention condition and meta-analyses were performed to calculate pooled mean differences when possible. For the meta-analyses, a random effects model was used at a 95 % confidence level.

Twenty original studies were included with a total of 483 individuals enrolled. Meta-analysis found both acute and multisession step rate based gait training protocols to be effective at increasing running step rate with acute interventions causing an increase of 16.15 (95 % CI: 11.28, 21.01) steps/minute. Multisession interventions caused significant increases in running step rate when categorized by modality 12.02 (10.20, 13.84), magnitude 12.04 (10.22, 13.87), and duration 12.61 (11.09, 14.13). Additionally, there were no subgroup differences for comparison between modalities (p = 0.14, p = 0.81, p = 0.76 respectively).

Step rate based gait training is effective at increasing running step rate during both acute and multisession interventions. These changes are resistant to different modalities, magnitudes, and durations, potentially pointing to increased ability to customize training specifications. The protocol registration number is CRD42022354275 (PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews).