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The effect of forward postural lean on running economy, kinematics, and muscle activation.

PMID 38809851 (2024): forward, postural — Running economy (study note for endurance athletes).

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

Study note • PMID 38809851

The effect of forward postural lean on running economy, kinematics, and muscle activation.

PloS one2024 • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0302249
Evidence C56/100
Action 2: Consider

Worth trying if it fits your goal and context.

ELI5

In plain language

This study tests the effect of altering forward postural lean and lean strategy on running economy, kinematics, and muscle activity. (controlled study; 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 tests the effect of altering forward postural lean and lean strategy on running economy, kinematics, and muscle activity.
  • The abstract doesn’t indicate a clear change in Running economy under the tested conditions.
  • Population: runners.
  • Protocol cues (title/abstract): 58m.

Protocol

Protocol (as reported)

  • Intervention/exposure: forward, postural.
  • Dose/time/duration cues in abstract/title: 58m.
  • 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 (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: runners.
  • Outcomes measured: Running economy.
  • Protocol cues mentioned: 58m.
  • Source: PubMed PMID 38809851 (2024) — PloS one.

Results excerpt

What the abstract reports

This relation between running economy and postural lean angle was similar between the ankle and trunk lean strategies (p = .743).

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