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Level, uphill and downhill running economy values are strongly inter-correlated.

PMID 30357515 (2019): level, uphill — Running economy (study note for endurance athletes).

Last updated/Feb 23, 2026, 11:13 PM

Study note • PMID 30357515

Level, uphill and downhill running economy values are strongly inter-correlated.

European journal of applied physiology2019 • DOI 10.1007/s00421-018-4021-x
Evidence C58/100
Action 2: Consider

Worth trying if it fits your goal and context.

ELI5

In plain language

Exercise economy is not solely an intrinsic physiological trait because economy in one mode of exercise (e.g., running) does not strongly correlate with economy in another mode (e.g. (controlled study; 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: Exercise economy is not solely an intrinsic physiological trait because economy in one mode of exercise (e.g., running) does not strongly correlate with economy in another mode (e.g.
  • The abstract doesn’t indicate a clear change in Running economy under the tested conditions.
  • Population: trained runners.
  • Protocol cues (title/abstract): 238 m • 167 m • 291 m.

Protocol

Protocol (as reported)

  • Intervention/exposure: level, uphill (vs comparison group).
  • Dose/time/duration cues in abstract/title: 238 m • 167 m • 291 m.
  • Outcomes: Running economy.
  • Replication note: abstracts often omit adherence and timing; confirm details before changing training or supplementation.

Fit

Who it helps, and who should skip it

Who it helps

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

Who should skip

  • 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: trained runners.
  • Comparator: comparison group.
  • Outcomes measured: Running economy.
  • Protocol cues mentioned: 238 m • 167 m • 291 m.
  • Source: PubMed PMID 30357515 (2019) — European journal of applied physiology.

Results excerpt

What the abstract reports

We reject our hypothesis based on the strong correlations of r = 0.909, r = 0.901 and r = 0.830, respectively, between LRE vs.

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

Limits

Limitations & 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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Sources