In looking for a few articles in the Soviet Sports Review (later named the Fitness and Sports Review International) I came across several great articles dealing with running. They not only reminded me how so little of this information has permeated the US literature but how the Russians were very practical in their research.
They also had a great deal of theoretical research which most often led to research dealing with its practical applications. These were the articles that most impressed me and which I translated because we see so little practical research based on or leading to full understanding of the sports skill involved.
For example, some of the Russian articles explain in detail the push-off mechanism, while others use combined analysis of the muscles involved in running in synchronization with the joint actions taking place while still others deal with the biomechanics of technique. They present some of the most complete descriptions and explanations of what takes place in running.
Understanding the material in these articles can go a long way to having better discussions on any topic that requires a good understanding of running technique and its separate elements. Sadly, most articles done in the US seem to revolve around one aspect that does not fit the total picture of running.
As a result, too many coaches and athletes become focused on one aspect (as for example, location of the navel) and ignore other equally imortant aspects. This leads to more confusion and misunderstanding which seems to permeate our literature and coaching.
Thus, reading some of these “old” but yet current, articles can go a long way to gaining a better understanding of running and other sports. To see a listing of these articles go tohttp://stores.socaldata.com/mm5/pdf/FSRI-TOC.pdf. It is also listed on the home page.