Dissociation between running economy and running performance in elite Kenyan distance runners

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between running economy (RE) and performance in a homogenous group of competitive Kenyan distance runners. Maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) (68.8 ± 3.8 ml∙kg(-1)∙min(-1)) was determined on a motorised treadmill in 32 Kenyan (25.3 ± 5.0 years; IAAF performance score: 993 ± 77 p) distance runners. Leg anthropometry was assessed and moment arm of the Achilles tendon determined. While Achilles moment arm was associated with better RE (r(2) = 0.30, P = 0.003) and upper leg length, total leg length and total leg length to body height ratio were correlated with running performance (r = 0.42, P = 0.025; r = 0.40, P = 0.030 and r = 0.38, P = 0.043, respectively), RE and maximal time on treadmill (t(max)) were not associated with running performance (r = -0.01, P = 0.965; r = 0.27; P = 0.189, respectively) in competitive Kenyan distance runners. The dissociation between RE and running performance in this homogenous group of runners would suggest that RE can be compensated by other factors to maintain high performance levels and is in line with the idea that RE is only one of many factors explaining elite running performance.

Comment on Dissociation between running economy and running performance in elite Kenyan distance runners

“…Whilst we agree with the multi-factorial hypothesis for Kenyan running success, as acknowledged by Mooses et al (2014) and argued elsewhere (Larsen, 2003;Tucker, Santos-Concejero, & Collins, 2013;Wilber & Pitsiladis, 2012), we do not believe that RE can be overlooked or even downplayed to the extent that it was based on this particular study. Previous research in African runners in general (Weston, Mbambo, & Myburgh, 2000), and East African runners in particular (Lucia et al, 2006;Saltin et al, 1995) has shown that African runners are more metabolically economical than elite European runners.…”

“…Mooses and colleagues recently argued that since they found no association between running economy (RE) and running performance in elite Kenyan distance runners, a superior RE per se could not account for the superior performance of the East African runners, and that RE is compensated for by other factors to enable superior distance running performance (Mooses et al, 2014).…”

“…The absence of such an association in the study of Mooses et al (2014) may be the result of a number of method related issues which must be acknowledged before any conclusions regarding RE can be made. First, Mooses et al (2014) apply a questionable standard to the definition of "homogenous" when defining their elite athlete sample, with respect to both ability and the events they excel in.…”

“…First, Mooses et al (2014) apply a questionable standard to the definition of "homogenous" when defining their elite athlete sample, with respect to both ability and the events they excel in. They analysed the best performances of 32 elite Kenyan runners, competing in distances ranging from 800 m to the marathon.…”

Biomechanics research and sport equipment development

“…It appears that modifications to this lever arm, sometimes referred to as a gearing ratio [79], can place the athlete in a more optimal position for increasing performance. Related research on running has shown that the relationship or the ratio of the lever arm from the Achilles tendon to the ankle joint, and the point of application from the ground reaction force underneath the ball of the foot to the ankle joint, can have an influence on running economy [80,81].…”