In looking for a few articles in the Soviet Sports Review (later named the Fitness and Sports Review International) I came across several great running articles. They not only reminded me how so little of this information has permeated US literature but how the Russians (former Soviets) were very practical and thorough in their research.
The articles 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 a more complete understanding of what is involved in running.
For example, some of the Russian articles explained in detail the push-off mechanism (the main joint actions producing ground reaction force) to more fully explain what were the key elements. At first they couldn’t believe their results and had to redo the study before it became the only answer possible. It contradicted long-held beliefs.
Other studies used combined analyses of the muscles involved in running in synchronization with the joint actions taking place and the forces produced. In this way it was possible to see not only the joint action taking place, but the muscles that were involved and how strongly they were involved in producing force.
Still other articles dealt with the biomechanics of running technique. They present some of the most complete descriptions and explanations of what takes place in a complete stride as seen in an actual run.
Understanding the material in these articles went a long way in giving me the information needed in order to have better discussions on any topic that required a good understanding of running technique and its separate elements. The information provided a complete picture of what occurs in running with good explanations for every joint action and the role in producing running speed.
It is disappointing to see that most articles written in the US seem to revolve around one aspect that does not fit or get integrated into the total picture of running. As a result, too many coaches and athletes become focused on one aspect and ignore other equally important aspects. This leads to more confusion and misunderstanding which often seems to permeate our literature and coaching.
Reading some of these “old” but yet current, articles can go a long way to gaining a better understanding of running. See the table of contents of Fitness and Sports Review International (FSRI) for more information on specific articles. All are available.
For more information see Explosive Running.