An Assessment of Running Power as a Training Metric for Elite and Recreational Runners. Issue 8 (August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aubry, Rachel L.; Power, Geoff A.; Burr, Jamie F.
• Is Part Of: Journal of strength and conditioning research. Volume 32:Issue 8(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-08
• Subjects: running economy -- performance -- biomechanics -- accelerometer -- training tool; Physical education and training -- Periodicals; Weight training -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Physical fitness -- Periodicals; 613.7
• DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002650
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1064-8011

Abstract

Abstract : Abstract: Aubry, RL, Power, GA, and Burr, JF. An assessment of running power as a training metric for elite and recreational runners. J Strength Cond Res 32(8): 2258–2264, 2018—Power, as a testing and training metric to quantify effort, is well accepted in cycling, but is not commonly used in running to quantify effort or performance. This study sought to investigate a novel training tool, the Stryd Running Power Meter, and the applicability of running power (and its individually calculated run mechanics) to be a useful surrogate of metabolic demand (V[Combining Dot Above]O2 ), across different running surfaces, within different caliber runners. Recreational ( n = 13) and elite ( n = 11) runners completed a test assessing V[Combining Dot Above]O2 at 3 different paces, while wearing a Stryd Power Meter on both an indoor treadmill and an outdoor track, to investigate relationships between estimated running power and metabolic demand. A weak but significant relationship was found between running power and V[Combining Dot Above]O2 considering all participants as a homogenous group ( r = 0.29); however, when assessing each population individually, no significant relationship was found. Examination of the individual mechanical components of power revealed that a correlative decrease in V[Combining Dot Above]O2 representing improved efficiency was associated with decreased ground contact time ( r = 0.56), vertical oscillation ( r = 0.46), and cadence ( r = 0.37) on the treadmill in the recreational group only. Although metabolic demand differed significantly between surfaces at most speeds, run power did not accurately reflect differences in metabolic cost between the 2 surfaces. Running power, calculated via the Stryd Power Meter, is not sufficiently accurate as a surrogate of metabolic demand, particularly in the elite population. However, in a recreational population, this training tool could be useful for feedback on several running dynamics known to influence running economy.