Biomechanical Performance Factors in Pose Running and Heel-toe Running

The aim of this paper is to identify known biomechanical performance factors between ten experienced Pose runners and ten experienced Heel-toe runners. Both groups of experienced runners were compared using nine kinematic variables. The Pose Group showed a distinct biomechanical profile and was significantly different from the Heel-toe Group. Known biomechanical performance factors were identified in the Pose Group for lower vertical oscillation, a more vertically aligned body at impact with a shorter step length but a higher step frequency. Stance time and knee extension during stance were lower while knee flexion angular velocity during swing was higher. These findings should enable coaches to identify performance factors for each running group. Further work should identify injury incidence between the two running techniques.