INTRODUCTION:
Running performance in middle distance events results from the interaction of physiological, neuromuscular, psychological and somatic factors. From a physiological perspective, endurance performance has traditionally been evaluated using maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and the ability to sustain a high fraction of this capacity. In recent years, increasing attention has been given to running economy (RE), defined as the oxygen cost of running at a given submaximal speed, which represents a key determinant of endurance performance.
Despite its importance, the contribution of neuromuscular factors to running economy in competitive runners remains insufficiently understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between running economy and selected neuromuscular parameters in national-level middle-distance runners.
METHODS:
The research sample consisted of 11 Slovak national-level middle-distance runners (age 22.5 +/- 3.5 years; VO2max 67.9 +/- 3.8 ml kg-1 min-1). Running economy was assessed as oxygen uptake during a graded treadmill spiroergometric test combined with blood lactate measurements at running speeds of 12, 15, and 18 km/h, as well as at the maximal attained speed. Testing was performed using a Cosmed Quark CPET system (COSMED s.r.l., Albano Laziale, Italy) on an HP Cosmos Pulsar 3p treadmill (h/p/cosmos sports & medical GmbH, Nußdorf-Traunstein, Germany). Neuromuscular parameters included a drop jump test and maximal isometric ankle joint strength assessment, performed on dual force plates – ForceDecks (VALD Performance, Brisbane, Australia).
RESULTS:
The results demonstrated a significant negative correlation between maximal ankle joint strength and running economy across all submaximal running speeds (r = -0.62 to -0.73; p < 0.05), indicating that greater ankle strength was associated with a lower oxygen cost of running. Additionally, a significant positive relationship was observed between ground contact time and running economy (r = 0.68 to 0.82; p < 0.05), with longer contact times corresponding to poorer running economy. No significant association was found between the reactive strength index and running economy.
CONCLUSION:
These findings highlight the importance of maximal ankle joint strength and neuromuscular characteristics related to ground contact for running economy in competitive middle distance runners. The results support the inclusion of targeted strength training focusing on ankle plantar flexors and explosive lower-limb actions as part of endurance training programs.