Individual optimal step frequency during outdoor running

Abstract

This is the first study investigating preferred (self-selected) step frequency (PSF) in relation to optimal step frequency (OSF) during running at different speeds outside the laboratory. OSF was defined as the SF at which heartrate (HR) showed a minimum during running at a constant speed. We aimed for a high ecological validity, which prohibits the direct measurement of oxygen consumption. HR was used as a proxy of energy cost, as has previously been validated. After a practice session, 21 experienced recreational runners (12 female) ran in an out-and-back manner on a straight flat tarmac lane in three main sessions: (1) 27 min at fixed comfortable speed with PSF, (2) at the same speed but with different imposed SFs (range 140–200 steps min−1) and at PSF and (3) similarly but at 15% higher speed. Runners were paced by a cyclist. Second order polynomials fitted the individual SF-HR relations well. At comfortable speed (3.04 ± 0.28 m s−1) mean r2 was 0.81 (range: 0.40–0.99) and PSF and OSF respectively were 165 ± 8 and 171 ± 8 steps min−1 (p < r < −0.49, p