Increasing Shoe Longitudinal Bending Stiffness Is Not Beneficial to Reduce Energy Cost During Graded Running

Abstract

Carbon plates have been used to increase running shoes' longitudinal bending stiffness (LBS), leading to reductions in the energy cost of level running (Cr). However, whether or not this is true during uphill (UH) running remains unknown. The aim of our study was to identify the effect of LBS on Cr during UH running. Twenty well-trained male runners participated in this study. Cr was determined using gas exchange during nine 4-minute bouts performed using 3 different LBS shoe conditions at 2.22 and 4.44m/s on level and 2.22m/s UH (gradient: + 15%) running. All variables were compared using 2-way analyses of variance (LBS × speed/grade effects). There was no significant effect of LBS (F = 2.04; P = .14, ηp2=.11) and no significant LBS × grade interaction (F = 0.31; P = .87, ηp2=.02). Results were characterized by a very large interindividual variability in response to LBS changes. The current study contributes to a growing body of literature reporting no effect of LBS on Cr during level and UH running. Yet, the very large interindividual differences in response to changes in LBS suggest that increasing shoe LBS may be beneficial for some runners.