Changes in Distance Running Mechanics Due to Systematic Variations in Running Style

Abstract

There is little information on how a change in one feature of an individual’s running mechanics affects other aspects of running style. This study manipulated experimental conditions such that eight subjects ran with three different step lengths, three step widths, and three varying degrees of shoulder rotation. The effect of these changes on rearfoot pronation measures, step length, and step width were examined. Results showed that varying step length over a range of 18 cm and shoulder rotation over a range of 17° caused no significant differences in maximal pronation angle, total amount of pronation, or maximal pronation velocity. Varying step width from landing approximately 5 cm lateral to the midline to crossing over a midline by 2 cm increased the maximum pronation from 12.2 to 18.3°, the amount of pronation from 14.1 to 21.1°, and maximal pronation velocity from. 329°/s to 535°/s. It is suggested that runners with problems due to excessive pronation might try changing step width. Changes in step width and shoulder rotation had no significant effect on step length, and alterations to shoulder rotation did not affect step length or step width significantly. These results suggest that a runner attempts to maintain some aspects of running mechanics despite major alterations to other elements of running style.