Braun, W. A., Woram, J., & Griffith, I. (2007). The acute effects of a downhill running bout on running economy. ACSM Annual Meeting New Orleans, Presentation Number, 1420.

This study examined the acute effects of a brief downhill running bout on variables measured during an ensuing running economy test. Volunteers (M = 5; F = 3) completed a treadmill orientation and a maximal aerobic capacity test prior to conducting a baseline running economy test. Running economy was measured at a treadmill velocity designed to elicit 70% VO2max. The downhill treadmill run was performed at -10% grade and a velocity of 214 m/min. The post-downhill running economy test was conducted 15 minutes after completion of the downhill run.

Following the downhill run, running economy was decreased while oxygen cost, heart rate, and ventilation were increased. These effects were independent of variables not affected, including respiratory exchange ratio, ratings of perceived exertion, and muscle soreness.

Implication. Normal running economy is affected adversely upon completion of a short downhill run.

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