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Study note

Effects of Footwear and Fatigue on Running Economy and Biomechanics in Trail Runners.

PMID 27183120 (2016): foot strike, biomechanics — Running economy (study note for endurance athletes).

Updated Jul 22, 2026

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Study note • PMID 27183120

Effects of Footwear and Fatigue on Running Economy and Biomechanics in Trail Runners.

Medicine and science in sports and exercise2016 • DOI 10.1249/MSS.0000000000000981

How to use this page

This note summarizes one study record. Check the participants, methods, results, and limitations before applying it to training.

  • Design signal: controlled study.
  • Population relevance: athlete/trained context.
  • Consistency: single-study evidence.
  • Practical recommendation depends on tolerance, context, and whether it protects training consistency.

ELI5

In plain language

This study aimed to examine the effects of footwear and neuromuscular fatigue induced by short distance trail running (TR) on running economy (RE) and biomechanics in well-trained and traditionally… (controlled study; well-trained runners).

The abstract doesn’t indicate a clear change in Running economy under the tested conditions. Treat this as a signal, not a guarantee; confirm methods and context in the full paper.

Takeaways

What the abstract suggests

  • Study question: This study aimed to examine the effects of footwear and neuromuscular fatigue induced by short distance trail running (TR) on running economy (RE) and biomechanics in well-trained and traditionally…
  • The abstract doesn’t indicate a clear change in Running economy under the tested conditions.
  • Population: well-trained runners.
  • Protocol cues (title/abstract): 77 m.

Protocol

Protocol (as reported)

  • Intervention/exposure: foot strike, biomechanics (vs comparison group).
  • Dose/time/duration cues in abstract/title: 77 m.
  • Outcomes: Running economy.
  • Replication note: abstracts often omit adherence and timing; confirm details before changing training or supplementation.

Fit

Who it may help, and who should be cautious

Who it helps

  • Athletes similar to the study population (well-trained runners) working on biomechanics.
  • Athletes who can measure Running economy with a repeatable workout or time-trial effort.

Who should be cautious

  • If you have symptoms or conditions that make the intervention risky, get professional guidance.
  • If you’re near race day and can’t safely test, defer the experiment.

Methods

What the study actually did

  • Design: controlled study.
  • Population: well-trained runners.
  • Comparator: comparison group.
  • Outcomes measured: Running economy.
  • Protocol cues mentioned: 77 m.
  • Source: PubMed PMID 27183120 (2016) — Medicine and science in sports and exercise.

Results excerpt

What the abstract reports

These findings indicated specific alterations in RE and biomechanics over time during the MS and MSm conditions compared with the TS condition.

Note: excerpts are short; for full context, read the paper.

Limits

Limitations and bias

  • Abstract-only summaries can miss critical details (population, protocol, adherence, and context).
  • Single studies often don’t generalize to your event, history, and training load; treat results as a starting point.
  • If your context differs (elite vs recreational; cycling vs running), adjust expectations and be conservative.
  • This is performance information, not medical advice.

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