The primary physiological determinants of endurance running performance are maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), lactate threshold/fractional utilisation of VO2max and running economy. Running economy is typically defined as the energy demand for a given velocity of submaximal running, and is determined by measuring the steady-state consumption of oxygen and the respiratory exchange ratio. Running economy is considered an important physiological measure for endurance athletes, especially distance runners. This thesis considers how running economy is measured, factors that determine running economy (focused on foot strike patterns) and interventions to improve running economy. Despite being simple to measure and acceptably reliable, it is evident that running economy is a complex, multifactorial concept that reflects the integrated composite of a variety of metabolic, cardiorespiratory, biomechanical and neuromuscular characteristics that are unique to the individual. Foot strike patterns are considered as biomehanical factors of running economy. Many of these numerous factors are able to adapt through training or other interventions resulting in improved running economy. Foot strike pattern refers to the location of the center of pressure on the sole of the foot during the initial ontact with the ground. Three foot strike patterns are found to be common in runners. These include rearfoot strike (RFS), midfoot strike (MFS), and forefoot strike (FFS). There has been recent interest on the effect of foot strike patterns on running economy. The effect of foot strike pattern on running economy is a topic that is debated among runners and researchers alike. The reviewed studies collectively suggest that foot strike pattern alone is not a determinant of running economy. Although certain foot strike patterns were more economical in particular individual studies, these findings also relied on particular running angles or running speeds and did not indicate that foot strike pattern is a stand-alone factor in running economy.
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