During running, every step will create a specific mechanical load. Therefore, running technique is inextricably tied to injuries and efficiency. Runners, coaches, clinicians, and scientists aim at minimising injury risk while optimising performance with measurements and analysis.
Unfortunately, false claims and misleading interpretations are commonly made. Why? Because biomechanical parameters are often analysed, presented and interpreted in isolation.
Running styles cannot be understood by a single parameter. You should consider biomechanical interdependencies. Based on current literature, we synthesised a unified concept for analysing the running technique: The Run Style Spectrum.
The proposed Run Style Spectrum provides a practical overview to guide future measurement and interpretation of running biomechanics. The Run Style Spectrum can be applied in practice (measured with commercial devices even) and creates a convenient framework to study further, prevent and treat injuries or optimise performance.
> From: Van Oeveren, Sports Biomech (2021) (Epub ahead of print). All rights reserved to The Author(s). Click here for the online summary.
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This review has received the highest Altmetric score in the journal Sports Biomechanics over 2021: 95! More information about the score can be found here!