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Study note

The Influence of Footwear Longitudinal Bending Stiffness on Running Economy and Biomechanics in Older Runners.

PMID 36094795 (2023): ground reaction, foot strike — Running economy (study note for endurance athletes).

Updated Jul 22, 2026

Read the study note

Study note • PMID 36094795

The Influence of Footwear Longitudinal Bending Stiffness on Running Economy and Biomechanics in Older Runners.

Research quarterly for exercise and sport2023 • DOI 10.1080/02701367.2022.2114589

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: randomized trial.
  • Population relevance: mixed/unclear athlete specificity.
  • Consistency: single-study evidence.
  • Practical recommendation depends on tolerance, context, and whether it protects training consistency.

ELI5

In plain language

This study assessed the effects of footwear longitudinal bending stiffness on running economy and biomechanics of rearfoot striking older runners. (randomized trial; 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 assessed the effects of footwear longitudinal bending stiffness on running economy and biomechanics of rearfoot striking older runners.
  • The abstract doesn’t indicate a clear change in Running economy under the tested conditions.
  • Population: runners.
  • Protocol cues: abstract may omit dose/timing; use the full paper to replicate accurately.

Protocol

Protocol (as reported)

  • Intervention/exposure: ground reaction, foot strike (vs comparison group).
  • 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 (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: randomized trial.
  • Population: runners.
  • Comparator: comparison group.
  • Outcomes measured: Running economy.
  • Source: PubMed PMID 36094795 (2023) — Research quarterly for exercise and sport.

Results excerpt

What the abstract reports

These novel findings demonstrate that increasing footwear longitudinal bending stiffness using flat carbon fiber inserts does not improve running economy and generally does not alter lower limb joint mechanics of rearfoot strike runners over 60 years.

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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Sources