Mechanical Energy Changes and the Oxygen Cost of Running

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Abstract
The relationship between the oxygen cost of running at submaximal speeds and running mechanics was investigated in a group of trained athletes by means of an energy analysis. Subjects were filmed while running on a motorized treadmill at speeds of 3.58, 4.02, 4.47, 4.92, 5.36, and 5.81 m/s. Segmental potential and kinetic energies were determined using a three-dimensional link-segmental model. Intra-stride changes in the energy of the whole body were computed with no allowance for energy transfer and with various energy transfer constraints imposed on the model. Oxygen consumption was determined by expired air analysis and used to estimate energy expenditure. For each transfer condition, net energy expenditure was more highly correlated with the magnitude of intra-stride energy changes than with running speed per se. The more economic running patterns were characterized by greater within-segment energy transfers. Given the limitations of the kinematic energy model, it is suggested that individual patterns of running are a significant factor in the determination of energy expenditure.

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