Correlation of Strength Characteristics with Running Economy in Well-Trained Male Distance Runners

Abstract

The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between strength characteristics and running economy (RE) at speeds of 10, 12, 14, and 16 km·h⁻¹ in runners. Twenty male well-trained male distance runners, aged between 18 and 25 years. Subsequently, all participants completed the testing involving Countermovement Jump (CMJ), Drop Jump (DJ), Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull (IMTP), and 1 Repetition Maximum (RM) strength at the beginning of the testing session. After a 15 min rest, 10, 12, 14, and 16 km·h⁻¹ RE were measured during running. Pearson’s correlation was used for statistical analysis with a significance level set at 0.05. The results revealed that CMJ peak power and CMJ height, along with some DJ variables, DJ height, and reactive strength index (RSI), were not significantly correlated with RE at any speed. Additionally, there was a non-significant relationship between the peak force, along with 1RM strength and RE. However, RFD 0–100 and RFD 0-150 ms showed a large significant correlation with RE. Explosive strength (e.g., RFD) may be a significant determinant of higher running speeds, which are defined as speeds above 12 km·h⁻¹. The findings indicate that the capacity for rapid high-force production in the lower limbs is a significant determinant of an endurance runner's speed.