title: A novel running mechanic's class changes kinematics but not running economy.
abstract: A novel method of running technique instruction, Midstance to Midstance Running (MMR), was studied to determine how MMR affected kinematics and running economy (RE) of recreational runners. An experimental pre-post randomized groups design was used. Participants (n = 18) were recreational runners who ran at least 3 days a week and 5 km per run. All testing was performed on a treadmill at 2.8 m·s. The intervention group (n = 9) completed 8 weeks of instruction in MMR; the control group (n = 9) continued running without instruction. The MMR group showed significant decreases in stride length (SL) (p = 0.02) and maximum knee flexion velocity in stance (p = 0.01), and a significant increase in stride rate (SR) (p = 0.02) after 8 weeks. No significant changes were found in heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, or RE. Midstance to Midstance Running was effective in changing SR and SL, but was not effective in changing other kinematic variables such as foot contact position and maximum knee flexion during swing. Midstance to Midstance Running did not affect RE. Evidence suggests that MMR may be an appropriate instructional method for recreational runners trying to decrease SL and increase SR.
authors.affiliation: 1Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences, Ithaca College, Ithaca, New York; and 2Finger Lakes Running and Triathlon Company, Ithaca, New York.
authors.forename: Daniel H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Craighead
authors.forename: Nick
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Lehecka
authors.forename: Deborah L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: King
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D064797:Physical Conditioning, Human / Q000379:methods*; D005082:Physical Exertion; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult