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Research guide

Biomechanics performance research

Biomechanics changes can help — but most athletes should start with strength, cadence, and pacing.

Updated Jul 22, 2026

Review the evidence

Performance Science Lab

Biomechanics lab

Biomechanics changes can help — but most athletes should start with strength, cadence, and pacing.

Start here

  • Small cues beat big form overhauls (which often increase injury risk).
  • If you change mechanics, change load too: adaptation takes time.
  • Treat drills as skill practice, not conditioning.

Study library (reference)

Individual studies for deeper reading.

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Variability in Running Economy of Kenyan World-Class and European Amateur Male Runners with Advanced Footwear Running Technology: Experimental and Meta-analysis Results.

PMID 36862339 (2023): variability, running — Running economy (study note for endurance athletes).

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Biomechanical factors associated with running economy and performance of elite Kenyan distance runners: A systematic review.

PMID 29332730 (2018): biomechanical, factors — Running economy (study note for endurance athletes).

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The effects of running shoe longitudinal bending stiffness and midsole energy return on oxygen consumption and ankle mechanics and energetics: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PMID 40550392 (2025): running, shoe — Running economy (study note for endurance athletes).

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A systematic review of the effect of running shoes on running economy, performance and biomechanics: analysis by brand and model.

PMID 35748066 (2023): ground reaction, foot strike — Running economy (study note for endurance athletes).

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Gait biomechanics evaluation of the treatment effects for hallux valgus patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PMID 35247827 (2022): biomechanics — Running economy (study note for endurance athletes).

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Does stretching improve performance? A systematic and critical review of the literature.

PMID 15377965 (2004): does, stretching — Running economy (study note for endurance athletes).

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Carbon plates in running shoes biomechanics: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PMID 42293993 (2026): biomechanics — Running economy (study note for endurance athletes).

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Effect of photobiomodulation therapy on performance and running economy in runners: A randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial.

PMID 33459175 (2021): photobiomodulation, therapy — Running economy (study note for endurance athletes).

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Effects of hybrid custom foot orthoses on running economy, running mechanics and comfort: A double-blinded randomized crossover study.

PMID 39891963 (2025): hybrid, custom — Running economy (study note for endurance athletes).

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Running Economy Benefits of Advanced Footwear Technologies Remain over a Prolonged Run in Highly Trained Distance Runners-A Randomized Crossover Trial.

PMID 40762986 (2025): biomechanics — Running economy (study note for endurance athletes).

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Effect of Strength and Plyometric Training on Kinematics in Female Novice Runners.

PMID 38489659 (2024): stride, biomechanics — Running economy (study note for endurance athletes).

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Six-week transition to minimalist shoes improves running economy and time-trial performance.

PMID 28483557 (2017): stride — Running economy (study note for endurance athletes).

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Sources