Study note • PMID 30374945
A Randomized Crossover Study Investigating the Running Economy of Highly-Trained Male and Female Distance Runners in Marathon Racing Shoes versus Track Spikes.
Worth trying if it fits your goal and context.
ELI5
In plain language
The aim of this study was to determine if, and to what extent, the NVF shoes improve running economy compared with established track spikes (Nike Zoom Matumbo 3 [NZM])… (randomized trial; n=24 trained runners).
The abstract suggests a positive effect on 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: The aim of this study was to determine if, and to what extent, the NVF shoes improve running economy compared with established track spikes (Nike Zoom Matumbo 3 [NZM])…
- • The abstract suggests a positive effect on Running economy under the tested conditions.
- • Population: n=24 trained runners.
- • Protocol cues (title/abstract): 5 min • 18 km • 16 km • 15 km.
Protocol
Protocol (as reported)
- • Intervention/exposure: crossover, investigating (vs comparison group).
- • Dose/time/duration cues in abstract/title: 5 min • 18 km • 16 km • 15 km.
- • 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 (n=24 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: randomized trial.
- • Population: n=24 trained runners.
- • Comparator: comparison group.
- • Outcomes measured: Running economy.
- • Protocol cues mentioned: 5 min • 18 km • 16 km • 15 km.
- • Source: PubMed PMID 30374945 (2019) — Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.).
Results excerpt
What the abstract reports
“The NVF shoe improved running economy by 2.6 +/- 1.3% compared with the NZM, 4.2 +/- 1.2% compared with ADI, and 2.9 +/- 1.3% when matched in weight of the ADI shoe.”
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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