Vol. 4, Issue 2, Part A (2022)

Running is a complex activity that involves the coordinated movement of multiple joints and muscle groups. Despite its popularity, running-related injuries remain a significant concern. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge regarding running biomechanics. The review highlights the key biomechanical factors influencing running technique, including stride length, cadence, foot strike pattern, and joint kinematics. Analyzing isolated parameters may explain the contradictory conclusions regarding different kinematic and kinetic parameters and running economy. A novel Dual-axis framework is proposed to categorize running styles based on stride frequency and dorsal flexion. This framework has practical and heuristic value, providing a unified concept for interpreting measurements and conducting future research on performance, running economy, and injury risk. The review concludes that the full spectrum of running styles can be distinguished based on stride frequency and dorsal flexion and that the Dual-axis framework can help to describe the most fundamental differences in running styles.