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Study note

Running economy: measurement, norms, and determining factors.

PMID 27747844 (2015): running, economy — Running economy (study note for endurance athletes).

Updated Jul 22, 2026

Read the study note

Study note • PMID 27747844

Running economy: measurement, norms, and determining factors.

Sports medicine - open2015 • DOI 10.1186/s40798-015-0007-y

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: review.
  • 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

Running economy (RE) is considered an important physiological measure for endurance athletes, especially distance runners. (review; elite runners).

In this review, the abstract is mixed or unclear for Running economy. Treat this as a signal, not a guarantee; confirm methods and context in the full paper.

Takeaways

What the abstract suggests

  • Study question: Running economy (RE) is considered an important physiological measure for endurance athletes, especially distance runners.
  • In this review, the abstract is mixed or unclear for Running economy.
  • Population: elite runners.
  • Protocol cues: abstract may omit dose/timing; use the full paper to replicate accurately.

Protocol

Protocol (as reported)

  • Intervention/exposure: running, economy.
  • Dose/time/duration: abstract doesn’t include enough detail; use the full paper’s methods section.
  • 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 (elite 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: review.
  • Population: elite runners.
  • Outcomes measured: Running economy.
  • Source: PubMed PMID 27747844 (2015) — Sports medicine - open.

Results excerpt

What the abstract reports

Running economy (RE) is considered an important physiological measure for endurance athletes, especially distance runners.

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).
  • Reviews and consensus statements mix protocols and populations; recommendations may not match your exact constraints.
  • 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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Sources