Running economy - a comprehensive review for passive force generation

Running economy is considered a major determinant of distance running performance. Enhancing the body’s ability for passive force generation could have a positive effect on running economy by minimizing the energy cost required for the propulsion of the body. Thus, the purpose of this comprehensive review was to provide a list of modifiable factors that promote this ability. The interest was focused on lower-limb stiffness, as it is a factor of great influence and at the same time can be modified with training and specific biomechanical adjustments. Although it appears that no clear instructions can be provided to athletes and coaches, it should be noted that careful consideration of the runners’ anthropometric, physiological, and biomechanical characteristics are necessary for optimal performance results

The Effect of Self-Myofascial Release with a Foam Roller on Running Economy

BACKGROUND: Running economy is defined as the steady-state O2 consumption for a determined, constant, submaximal speed. It has been described as a complex and multifactorial measure with the ability to explain distance running performance variations that other conventional measures did not. Increased flexibility, as expressed by range of motion, has been related with impaired running economy. Self-myofascial release with foam rollers is gaining popularity in the distance running community as a rehabilitative and performance-enhancing intervention with either acute or systematic application proposing flexibility increases. Although flexibility and running economy have been inversely related and foam rolling interventions are proposing increases in flexibility, inadequate information exists regarding the direct relationship between foam rolling and running economy. PURPOSE: To determine the acute effects of foam-rolling application on flexibility and running economy and also establish correlations, if any, between flexibility and running economy under the effect of the experimental conditions. METHODS: Fifteen recreationally trained runners (19-45 years old) will be physiologically assessed (running economy followed by a VO2max test) after a 13-minute quiet sitting period (control condition) or a lower-limb foam rolling protocol (experimental condition) of equal duration performed on two different days. Flexibility will be assessed at baseline and at two time points on both condition days. IMPLICATIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the potential of foam rolling-induced impairments in running economy that could be attributed to flexibility alterations, thus providing an interesting perspective regarding the appropriateness of foam rollers being used by distance runners