Are changes in running economy associated with changes in performance in runners? A systematic review and meta-analysis |
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| Authors: | Ian J O Sullivan Mark I Johnson Karen Hind Sarah Breen Peter Francis |
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| Institution: | 1. Musculoskeletal Health Research Group, School of Clinical and Applied Science, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK;2. Centre for Pain Research, Leeds Beckett University, School of Clinical and Applied Science, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK;3. Research Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK;4. School of Health and Human Performance, Northern Michigan University, Marquette, MI, USA |
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| Abstract: | Improvements in running economy (RE) are thought to lead to improvements in running performance (P). Multiple interventions have been designed with the aim of improving RE in middle and long-distance runners. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of interventions of at least 2-weeks’ duration on RE and P and to determine whether there is a relationship between changes in RE (ΔRE) and changes in running performance (ΔP). A database search was carried out in Web of Science, Scopus and SPORTDiscus. In accordance with a PRISMA checklist 10 studies reporting 12 comparisons between interventions and controls were included in the review. There was no correlation between percentage ΔRE and percentage ΔP (r = 0.46, P = 0.936, 12 comparisons). There was a low risk of reporting bias but an unclear risk of bias for other items. Meta-analyses found no statistically significant differences between interventions and controls for RE (SMD (95% CI) = ?0.37 (?1.43, 0.69), 204 participants, p = 0.49) or for P (SMD (95% CI) = ?0.65 (?26.02, 24.72, 204 participants, p = 0.99). There is a need for studies of greater statistical power, methodological quality, duration and homogeneity of intervention and population. Standardised measures of performance and greater control over non-intervention training are also required. |
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| Keywords: | Running economy running performance distance runners |
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