Increasing Running Speed Research Articles

'Whip from the hip': thigh angular motion, ground contact mechanics, and running speed.

ABSTRACTDuring high-speed running, lower limb vertical velocity at touchdown has been cited as a critical factor needed to generate large vertical forces. Additionally, greater leg angular velocity has also been correlated with increased running speeds. However, the association between these factors has not been comprehensively investigated across faster running speeds. Therefore, this investigation aimed to evaluate the relationship between running speed, thigh angular motion and vertical force determinants. It was hypothesized that thigh angular velocity would demonstrate a positive linear relationship with both running speed and lower limb vertical velocity at touchdown. A total of 40 subjects (20 males, 20 females) from various athletic backgrounds volunteered and completed 40 m running trials across a range of sub-maximal and maximal running speeds during one test session. Linear and angular kinematic data were collected from 31–39 m. The results supported the hypotheses, as across all subjects and trials (range of speeds: 3.1–10.0 m s−1), measures of thigh angular velocity demonstrated a strong positive linear correlation to speed (all R2>0.70, P<0.0001) and lower limb vertical velocity at touchdown (all R2=0.75, P<0.001). These findings suggest thigh angular velocity is strongly related to running speed and lower limb impact kinematics associated with vertical force application.

Vibration control and electromagnetic interference analysis of high-speed railway vehicle system with magneto-rheological damper

With running speed increases, the dynamics characteristic of railway vehicle system behaves intensively, such as, snaking motion, bifurcation problem, even digression accident. These questions effect ride comfort and run stationary. The magneto-rheological (MR) damper can continually change its state in a few milliseconds and has low energy requirement and insensitivity to the temperature and circumstance. MR dampers have turned out to be a promising device in vibration control. According to the nonlinear of MR damper and the vibration characteristic of semi-active suspension of high-speed vehicle, a seventeen-degree-of-freedom lateral semi-control model of high-speed whole vehicle with MR dampers is established. Taking into account of the vibrations of vehicle and electromagnetic interference, a novel adaptive fuzzy control strategy is put forward. The simulation results show that adaptive fuzzy control method can improve the ride comfort and restrain electromagnetic interference. The electromagnetic interference noise problems in high-speed railway vehicle system with MRD are analyzed and discussed according to EN 55022 for the first time.

Exercise Program Reduces Inter-Recti Distance in Female Runners Up to 2 Years Postpartum

Background: Pregnancy and childbirth are associated with increased inter-recti distance (IRD)/diastasis recti abdominis (DRA), pelvic joint laxity, and decreased physical activity levels. Recreational running is an accessible, popular form of exercise that may challenge pelvic stability in postpartum women. Objectives: To assess the impact of an 8-week abdominal muscle retraining program on IRD and pelvic running mechanics in women up to 2 years postpartum. Study Design: Pre/posttest single-arm intervention study. Methods: Thirteen postpartum women (32.8 ± 2.7 years of age; 1-3 pregnancies; 7 weeks to 2 years postpartum) who were recreational runners participated. Ultrasound imaging measured IRD above and below the umbilicus. Thickness of the internal oblique (IO) and transversus abdominis (TrA) muscles was assessed with ultrasonography at rest and during performance of an abdominal draw-in maneuver. Participants underwent an 8-week abdominal muscle retraining program utilizing ultrasonography as biofeedback. Running gait was assessed with 3-dimensional motion capture at study enrollment (baseline), end of the intervention, and 6-week follow-up. Results: Inter-recti distance below the umbilicus decreased from baseline to end of intervention (P = .013) and remained stable at follow-up (P = .459). Inter-recti distance above the umbilicus, IO and TrA activation ratio, and running mechanics did not change (P > .05). Women reported increased running speed following the intervention (P = .021). Conclusion: An 8-week abdominal muscle retraining program reduced IRD below the umbilicus in recreational runners up to 2 years postpartum, suggesting therapeutic exercise may be part of conservative management for DRA.

Multilevel allometric modelling of maximal stroke volume and peak oxygen uptake in 11\u201313-year-olds

PurposeTo investigate (1) whether maximal stroke volume (SVmax) occurs at submaximal exercise intensities, (2) sex differences in SVmax once fat-free mass (FFM) has been controlled for, and, (3) the contribution of concurrent changes in FFM and SVmax to the sex-specific development of peak oxygen uptake left( {{dot{text{V}}text{O}}_{2} } right) .MethodsThe peak {dot{text{V}}text{O}}_{2} s of 61 (34 boys) 11–12-year-olds were determined and their SV determined during treadmill running at 2.28 and 2.50 m s−1 using carbon dioxide rebreathing. The SVmax and peak {dot{text{V}}text{O}}_{2} of 51 (32 boys) students who volunteered to be tested treadmill running at 2.50 m s−1 on three annual occasions were investigated using multilevel allometric modelling. The models were founded on 111 (71 from boys) determinations of SVmax, FFM, and peak {dot{text{V}}text{O}}_{2} .ResultsProgressive increases in treadmill running speed resulted in significant (p < 0.01) increases in {dot{text{V}}text{O}}_{2} , but SV levelled-off with nonsignificant (p > 0.05) changes within ~ 2–3%. In the multilevel models, SVmax increased proportionally to FFM0.72 and with FFM controlled for, there were no significant (p > 0.05) sex differences. Peak {dot{text{V}}text{O}}_{2} increased with FFM but after adjusting for FFM0.98, a significant (p < 0.05) sex difference in peak {dot{text{V}}text{O}}_{2} remained. Introducing SVmax to the multilevel model revealed a significant (p < 0.05), but small additional effect of SVmax on peak {dot{text{V}}text{O}}_{2} .ConclusionsFat-free mass explained sex differences in SVmax, but with FFM controlled for, there was still a ~ 5% sex difference in peak {dot{text{V}}text{O}}_{2} . SVmax made a modest additional contribution to explain the development of peak {dot{text{V}}text{O}}_{2} , but there remained an unresolved sex difference of ~ 4%.

Supplementation with Saccharomyces boulardii Increases the Maximal Oxygen Consumption and Maximal Aerobic Speed Attained by Rats Subjected to an Incremental-Speed Exercise.

Benefits to the host metabolism resulting from Saccharomyces boulardii (Sb) supplementation have been described; however, no study has investigated the effects of this supplementation on aerobic metabolism and performance during physical exercise. Thus, in the present study, we addressed the effects of Sb supplementation on the rate of oxygen consumption (VO2), mechanical efficiency (external work divided by VO2), and aerobic performance of rats subjected to fatiguing, incremental-speed exercise. Twenty-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: (1) non-supplemented, in which rats received 0.1 mL of a saline solution, and (2) Sb-supplemented, in which rats received 0.1 mL of a suspension containing 8.0 log10 colony-forming units. The rats received the treatments by gavage for 10 consecutive days; they were then subjected to fatiguing treadmill running. Sb supplementation did not change the VO2 values or mechanical efficiency during submaximal exercise intensities. In contrast, at fatigue, VO2MAX was increased by 12.7% in supplemented rats compared with controls (p = 0.01). Moreover, Sb improved aerobic performance, as evidenced by a 12.4% increase in maximal running speed attained by the supplemented rats (p < 0.05). We conclude that Sb supplementation for 10 days increases VO2MAX and aerobic performance in rats.

PAIN AND PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE AMONG RECREATIONAL RUNNERS WHO RECEIVE A CORRECTION FOR AN ILIAC CREST HEIGHT DIFFERENCE: A CASE SERIES

Leg-length inequality (LLI) is a musculoskeletal condition where one lower extremity is longer than the other. There is conflicting evidence on the relevance of LLI and conservative treatment options. Iliac crest height difference (ICHD) is a good estimate of LLI. To observe changes in pain and performance among recreational runners with running-induced lower extremity pain who received ICHD correction. A 12-week case series with multiple baseline and intervention (A-B-A-B) phases was used to observe the effects of ICHD correction on pain and performance among three symptomatic recreational runners. Primary outcome measures included the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), the Visual Analog Scale -Worst Pain (VAS-W), symptom-free running distance, and average running speed. A standardized procedure for fabricating an in-shoe shim was utilized for ICHD correction. There were no clinically important differences in functional capacity for any subject between any phases. Also, two subjects demonstrated trends towards increased pain over the 12-week experimental period, whereas one subject demonstrated a decrease. One subject demonstrated a statistically significant increase in running distance during intervention phases, but the others demonstrated reductions. All subjects demonstrated trends towards increased running speed, but none were statistically significant. The correction of small ICHD < 9mm did not improve pain or performance among recreational runners. Individuals with small ICHD may be able to effectively compensate for lower extremity asymmetries; therefore, correction seems to be unnecessary and potentially harmful in short-term. Therapy, level 4.

Individual Region- and Muscle-specific Hamstring Activity at Different Running Speeds.

Hamstring strain injuries typically occur in the proximal biceps femoris long head (BFlh) at high running speeds. Strain magnitude seems to be the primary determinant of strain injury, and may be regulated by muscle activation. In running, BFlh strain is largest in the proximal region, especially at high speeds. However, region-specific activity has not been examined. This study examined the proximal-distal and intermuscular activity of BFlh and semitendinosus (ST) as a function of increasing running speed. Thirteen participants ran at steady speeds of 4.1 (slow), 5.4 (moderate), and 6.8 m·s (fast) on a treadmill. Region- and muscle-specific EMG activity were recorded at each speed using high-density EMG, and were normalized to maximal voluntary isometric activity. Muscle-tendon unit lengths were calculated from kinematic recordings. Speed effects, regional, and intermuscular differences were tested with Statistical Parametric Mapping. With increasing running speed, EMG activity increased in all regions of both muscles to a similar extent in the clinically relevant late swing phase. Increases in muscle-tendon unit lengths in late swing as a function of running speed were comparatively small. In fast running, EMG activity was highest in late swing in all regions, and reached 115% ± 20% (proximal region, mean ± 95% confidence limit), 106% ± 11% (middle), and 124% ± 16% (distal) relative to maximal voluntary isometric activity in BFlh. Regional and intermuscular EMG patterns were highly individual, but each individual maintained similar proximal-distal and intermuscular EMG activity patterns across running speeds. Running is associated with highly individual hamstring activity patterns, but these patterns are similar across speeds. It may thus be crucial to implement running at submaximal speeds early after hamstring injury for restoration of normal neuromuscular function.

The Effects of Hip Tightness on Running Mechanics and the FMS Deep Squat in DIII Track &amp; Field Runners

INTRODUCTION: Running requires rapid hip movements. Increasing running speeds place increased loads on hip flexor and extensor muscles (Schache et al., 2011). It is unclear whether Division III track and field athletes with self-reported hip tightness would present altered sagittal plane hip mechanics while running and functional limitations when performing the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) deep squat. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between hip tightness, as measured by the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) deep squat (DS), and running mechanics, as measured by the peak flexion and extension angles in Division III Track & Field athletes. METHODS: Ten subjects completed the FMS DS and were filmed from both sides while running on a treadmill at 3 different speeds. Reflective markers were placed on the greater trochanter and lateral epicondyle of the femur. Absolute peak flexion and extension angles were obtained using Dartfish software. RESULTS: DS was not a significant predictor of running mechanics. There were moderate positive correlations between peak hip flexion angles and DS. DS scores of 1 were associated with increased hip flexion ROM and decreased extension, especially on the left side. Runners who reported hip tightness had higher average DS scores. CONCLUSION: Self-reported hip tightness group showed earlier toe-off and increased flexion ROM during swing phase. Differences between groups are greater in hip extension. Findings also suggest asymmetries in the non-affected side for the tightness group. Future studies could investigate these changes in running mechanics in different planes of motion and injury prevalence in runners with self-reported hip tightness.

Study on Aerodynamic Characteristics of Super High Speed Elevator

With the increase of elevator running speed, the influence of aerodynamic force on elevator becomes more and more obvious, and the impact is also increasing gradually. In this paper, the Computational Fluid Dynamic numerical simulation method is used to simulate and analyse the aerodynamic characteristics of elevator car under the influence of different operating speed and distance from side of car to hoistway wall by establishing full-scale model of elevator and hoistway. The results show that when the car is in a symmetrical position, the aerodynamic characteristics on both sides always show obvious symmetry. With the decrease of distance from side of car to hoistway wall and the operating speed of the car, the flow field around the car changes intensified, and the aerodynamic forces on the side of the car will also increase significantly.

Running biomechanics as measured by wearable sensors: effects of speed and surface

ABSTRACT Running biomechanics research has traditionally occurred in the laboratory, but with the advent of wearable sensors measurement of running biomechanics may shift outside the laboratory. The purpose was to determine if RunScribe™ wearable sensors could detect differences in kinematic, kinetic and spatiotemporal measures during runs at two speeds and on two different surfaces. Fifteen recreational runners (7 males, 8 females; age = 20.0 ± 3.1 years) participated. While wearing sensors on the heels of their shoes, participants completed four 1600 m runs on both track and grass surfaces. On each surface, the first 1600 m was at a self-selected slow speed followed by the second 1600 m at a self-selected fast pace. The sensors quantified several kinetic, kinematic and spatiotemporal measures. Repeated measures ANOVAs compared the effects of surface and speed. The spatiotemporal measures of stride length, cycle time and contact time were predictably affected by increased running speed and increased surface stiffness, as were the kinematic and kinetic measurements of maximum pronation velocity, maximum pronation excursion, impact g, and braking g (p < 0.050). The RunScribe™ sensors identified expected changes in running biomechanics measures at different speeds and on varying surfaces.

Change-of-direction, speed and jump performance in soccer players: a comparison across different age-categories

ABSTRACT This study examined the age-specific development of vertical jump height, straight and change-of-direction (COD) speed, and COD deficit in one-hundred and eighty-two elite soccer players from different age-categories (U15, U17, U20, and Senior). All participants were players of two distinct clubs and were undertaking different training routines, as planned by their technical staff members. For this purpose, the soccer players performed: (1) squat and countermovement jumps; (2) a maximal 20-m linear sprint speed test, and (3) the Zigzag COD test. The magnitude-based inference approach and standardized differences were used to compare the age-groups. Sprint speed at longer distances (20-m) increased progressively across the age-ranges. In contrast, speed and acceleration performances at shorter distances (5-m) were better in U15 than in the other age-categories. The COD speed did not change throughout the younger categories but presented a meaningful decrease in the Senior category. Surprisingly, despite the progressive increase in volume and intensity of neuromuscular training from younger to older categories, the COD deficit presented a gradual increase across the age-groups. It is possible that simple modulation of the strength-power training program during the maturation process is not sufficient to produce faster adult players with enhanced ability to change direction. Therefore, coaches are strongly encouraged to implement specific COD training practices to tolerate braking at increasing running speeds and appropriate volume and intensity of soccer specific training throughout the players’ specialization process.

Complexity Pattern of Center of Pressure between Genders via Increasing Running Speed

Complexity Pattern of Center of Pressure between Genders via Increasing Running Speed

Changes in hip and spine movement with increasing running speed.

[Purpose] We aimed to clarify and compare the changes in thoracic and lumbar spine motion and to elucidate the relationship between hip and lumbar spine motion during running. [Participants and Methods] Seven healthy females were recruited in this study. Hip and spine movement were measured using a 3D motion analysis system when running at 6, 9, and 12 km/h. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the changes in hip joint and spine angles during running. Correlation coefficient analysis was used to determine the relationship between the hip and lumbar spine angles at right and left toe-offs. [Results] As the running speed increased, the rotation angles of the thoracic and lumbar spine and the extension angles of the lumbar spine and hip joint significantly increased in the late stance phase. Significant positive relationships were observed between hip flexion and lumbar spine extension angles at toe-off when running at 6 and 9 km/h but not when running at 12 km/h. [Conclusion] To increase the running speed, participants increased the rotation angle of spine and the extension angles of the hip joint and lumbar spine during the stance phase. Participants extended the lumbar spine to compensate for the restricted hip motion at toe-off, which could cause stress to the lumbar spine.

The implications of time on the ground on running economy: less is not always better.

A lower duty factor (DF) reflects a greater relative contribution of leg swing versus ground contact time during the running step. Increasing time on the ground has been reported in the scientific literature to both increase and decrease the energy cost (EC) of running, with DF reported to be highly variable in runners. As increasing running speed aligns running kinematics more closely with spring-mass model behaviours and re-use of elastic energy, we compared the centre of mass (COM) displacement and EC between runners with a low (DFlow) and high (DFhigh) duty factor at typical endurance running speeds. Forty well-trained runners were divided in two groups based on their mean DF measured across a range of speeds. EC was measured from 4min treadmill runs at 10, 12 and 14 km h-1 using indirect calorimetry. Temporal characteristics and COM displacement data of the running step were recorded from 30s treadmill runs at 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 km h-1 Across speeds, DFlow exhibited more symmetrical patterns between braking and propulsion phases in terms of time and vertical COM displacement than DFhigh DFhigh limited global vertical COM displacements in favour of horizontal progression during ground contact. Despite these running kinematics differences, no significant difference in EC was observed between groups. Therefore, both DF strategies seem energetically efficient at endurance running speeds.

Leg stiffness in unilateral transfemoral amputees across a range of running speeds

Carbon fiber running-specific prostheses have allowed lower extremity amputees to participate in running activity by providing spring-like properties in their affected limb. It has been established that as running speed increases, stiffness of the leg spring (leg stiffness; kleg) remains constant in non-amputees. Although a better understanding of kleg regulation may be helpful for the development of spring-based prostheses, little is known about stiffness regulation in unilateral transfemoral amputees. The aim of this study was to investigate stiffness regulation at different running speeds in unilateral transfemoral amputees wearing a running-specific prosthesis. Nine unilateral transfemoral amputees performed running on an instrumented treadmill across a range of speeds (30, 40, 50, 60, and 70% of their maximum running speed). Using a spring-mass model, kleg was calculated as the ratio of maximal vertical ground reaction force to maximum leg compression during the stance phase in both affected and unaffected limbs. We found a decrease in kleg from the slower speed to 70% speed for the affected limb, whereas no change was present in the unaffected limb. Specifically, there was a significant differences in the kleg between 30% and 70%, 40% and 70%, and 50% and 70%, and the magnitude of the kleg difference between affected and unaffected limbs varied with variations in running speeds in unilateral TFAs with an RSP. These results suggest the kleg regulation strategy of unilateral transfemoral amputees is not the same in the affected and unaffected limbs across a range of running speeds.

Technical Analysis of Exoskeleton Robot

Recently, the need for exoskeleton robots has been increased due to the advancement of robotic technologies and changes in the concept of how the robots can be utilized in direct contact with human bodies. The robots, once only used on the factory floor, are now becoming a part of human bodies, which provides the unprecedented level of muscle power boost and the increase of running speed. If used very carefully, the exoskeleton robots can be also used for patients’ rehabilitation. The exoskeleton robots have many potential application areas; hence most advanced countries are currently developing various types of exoskeleton robots. Those robots can be classified into two major categories, namely the rigid type and the soft type. Each type has own advantages and disadvantages, while the carrying load capacity and the actuation speed can be quite different. There are also many technical difficulties in order to use the exoskeleton robots in the field. The aim of this study is, therefore, to introduce the trends of exoskeleton robot development in advanced countries, while providing the analysis on the technical merits and downside of robot types. The comparison chart also indicates the major technical directions, in which the future technology will be headed for, such as the improved robot response characteristics by employing advanced sensors and artificial intelligence. The robots are becoming smarter, lighter, and more powerful. It is foreseeable that the wearable robots can be a part of human life in the very near future.

Analysis and solution of eddy current induced in rail for medium and low speed maglev transportation system

Background: For medium and low speed maglev transportation system, the eddy current will be induced in rail, which is made of solid steel, while the train is running. The levitation force of electromagnets will be weakened by the magnetic field generated by eddy current in the rail, especially at the position of the forefront electromagnets. With the increase of train running speed, the eddy current effect will also increase, which will reach 30 % at 100 km/h, and which will directly affect the levitation stability of the train during high-speed running. Put it another way, it will limit the further improvement of the running speed of the medium and low speed maglev train.&#x0D; Aim: In order to solve the above problem, and compensate the levitation force reduced by the eddy current effect.&#x0D; Methods: The FEA method is used to obtain the magnetic field distribution and levitation force changing with the train speed. And taking the middle and low speed maglev trains and rails of Changsha Maglev Express as the research object, we have adopted two solutions, and the prototypes of airsprings and levitation magnets are manufactured and tested in the train.&#x0D; Results: The test result show that the currents of the windings at the front end of the two forefront electromagnets are reduced obviously.&#x0D; Conclusion: In this paper, the medium and low speed maglev train and rail used by Changsha Maglev Express are studied, the eddy current effect is analyzed, and two solutions are proposed. The results show that the solution methods can alleviate the eddy current effects to some extent.

Skeletal muscle metabolism in rats with low and high intrinsic aerobic capacity: Effect of aging and exercise training.

PurposeExercise training increases aerobic capacity and is beneficial for health, whereas low aerobic exercise capacity is a strong independent predictor of cardiovascular disease and premature death. The purpose of the present study was to determine the metabolic profiles in a rat model of inborn low versus high capacity runners (LCR/HCR) and to determine the effect of inborn aerobic capacity, aging, and exercise training on skeletal muscle metabolic profile.MethodsLCR/HCR rats were randomized to high intensity low volume interval treadmill training twice a week or sedentary control for 3 or 11 months before they were sacrificed, at 9 and 18 months of age, respectively. Magnetic resonance spectra were acquired from soleus muscle extracts, and partial least square discriminative analysis was used to determine the differences in metabolic profile.ResultsSedentary HCR rats had 54% and 30% higher VO2max compared to sedentary LCR rats at 9 months and 18 months, respectively. In HCR, exercise increased running speed significantly, and VO2max was higher at age of 9 months, compared to sedentary counterparts. In LCR, changes were small and did not reach the level of significance. The metabolic profile was significantly different in the LCR sedentary group compared to the HCR sedentary group at the age of 9 and 18 months, with higher glutamine and glutamate levels (9 months) and lower lactate level (18 months) in HCR. Irrespective of fitness level, aging was associated with increased soleus muscle concentrations of glycerophosphocholine and glucose. Interval training did not influence metabolic profiles in LCR or HCR rats at any age.ConclusionDifferences in inborn aerobic capacity gave the most marked contrasts in metabolic profile, there were also some changes with ageing. Low volume high intensity interval training twice a week had no detectable effect on metabolic profile.

Theta-gamma cascades and running speed.

Oscillations in the hippocampal local field potential at theta and gamma frequencies are prominent during awake behavior and have demonstrated several behavioral correlates. Both oscillations have been observed to increase in amplitude and frequency as a function of running speed. Previous investigations, however, have examined the relationship between speed and each of these oscillation bands separately. Based on energy cascade models where "…perturbations of slow frequencies cause a cascade of energy dissipation at all frequency scales" (Buzsaki G. Rhythms of the Brain, 2006), we hypothesized that cross-frequency interactions between theta and gamma should increase as a function of speed. We examined these relationships across multiple layers of the CA1 subregion, which correspond to synaptic zones receiving different afferents. Across layers, we found a reliable correlation between the power of theta and the power of gamma, indicative of an amplitude-amplitude relationship. Moreover, there was an increase in the coherence between the power of gamma and the phase of theta, demonstrating increased phase-amplitude coupling with speed. Finally, at higher velocities, phase entrainment between theta and gamma increases. These results have important implications and provide new insights regarding how theta and gamma are integrated for neuronal circuit dynamics, with coupling strength determined by the excitatory drive within the hippocampus. Specifically, rather than arguing that different frequencies can be attributed to different psychological processes, we contend that cognitive processes occur across multiple frequency bands simultaneously with organization occurring as a function of the amount of energy iteratively propagated through the brain. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Often, the theta and gamma oscillations in the hippocampus have been believed to be a consequence of two marginally overlapping phenomena. This perspective, however, runs counter to an alternative hypothesis in which a slow-frequency, high-amplitude oscillation provides energy that cascades into higher frequency, lower amplitude oscillations. We found that as running speed increases, all measures of cross-frequency theta-gamma coupling intensify, providing evidence in favor of the energy cascade hypothesis.

Running speed-induced changes in foot contact pattern influence impact loading rate

ABSTRACTPurpose. We aimed to determine the effect of speed-induced changes in foot contact patterns on the vertical instantaneous loading rate (VILR). We hypothesized that transition runners, i.e. runners that shift towards a mid- (MF) or forefoot contact pattern (FF) when running speed increases, show smaller increases in VILR than non-transition runners, i.e. runners that remain with a rearfoot contact pattern (RF).Methods. Fifty-two male and female runners ran overground at 3.2, 4.1, 5.1 and 6.2 m s−1. Ground reaction forces, lower limb sagittal plane knee and ankle kinematics and plantar pressures were recorded. Multi-level linear regression models were used to assess differences between transition and non-transition runners.Results. Non-transition runners experienced larger speed-induced increases in VILR (48.6 ± 2.6 BW s−1 per m s−1) than transition runners (–1.4 ± 7.6 BW s−1 per m s−1). Transition runners showed higher VILRs and a more flat foot touch down at the same pre-transition speed than non-transition runners.Conclusion. When running speed increases, some runners transition towards more anterior foot contact patterns. This reduces or even eliminates the speed-induced increase in VILR. This result is especially the case for those RF runners who already have relatively high VILRs and flat foot positioning at slower running speeds.