A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Crossover Studies Comparing Physiological, Perceptual and Performance Measures Between Treadmill and Overground Running

Abstract

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Is Motorized Treadmill Running Biomechanically Comparable to Overground Running? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cross-Over Studies

“…The absence of air resistance in MT running reduces oxygen uptake and theoretically improves MT performance compared to overground running. In addition to a lack of comfort and lack of sweat evaporation and hence thermoregulation that can explain these differences [30], the findings of the current review suggest that biomechanical differences may also contribute to a higher energy cost and hence reduced running performance during MT compared to overground running. Specifically, numerous studies have found that modifications of running technique acutely decrease running economy [96][97][98][99].…”

“…MT running may therefore be suitable for rehabilitation from lower limb stress fractures, but not Achilles tendinopathy, Achilles ruptures or calf muscle strains. Finally, our previous systematic review found reduced endurance performance and no significant difference in oxygen uptake between non-inclined MT and overground running at speeds < 18 km/h [30]. The absence of air resistance in MT running reduces oxygen uptake and theoretically improves MT performance compared to overground running.…”

“…A systematic review of the literature was performed using guidelines in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions (version 5.1.0) and following the checklist for the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses 2015 (PRISMA) [29]. The protocol was prospectively registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; registration number CRD42018083906) and was part of a larger systematic review project comparing MT and overground running across a range of variables [30]. Registration occurred after searches had been conducted, but before screening was completed.…”

“…Fourth, perceptual differences may also influence MT running biomechanics and should therefore be matched between both conditions. Specifically, it has been shown that individuals perceive MT running speed as faster than overground running speed [30] and the higher perceived MT running speed may result in higher stride frequencies and shorter stride lengths compared to overground running [85].…”

Factors Affecting Training and Physical Performance in Recreational Endurance Runners

“…Of note, field running testing could be more difficult to apply due to the constraints associated with field and weather conditions. However, field testing may present greater validity for training prescriptions when compared to laboratory-based testing on a treadmill [63]. Therefore, runners and coaches should identify the tests that better suit the needs and possibilities for monitoring targeted physiological adaptations to training over the season for specific objectives.…”