The Effect of Downhill Running Training on 200m and 2000m Running Performance

Downhill running as a method of training for improved running performance is an option which has rarely been explored. The purpose of this study was to explore the idea that downhill interval training may be an effective form of improving efficiency and thus, performance time, in 200m and 2000m level running by producing increases in both stride length (SL) and stride frequency (SF). To test this hypothesis, twelve fit male subjects were divided into two training groups, downhill (D) and level (L), matched on the basis of a 2000m time trial performance and VO2max. The dependant variables of time, SL and SF for both 200m and 2000m time trials were measured before and after a six week training program which consisted of an 8x300m interval session run twice per week. The L and D groups performed these intervals, on a grass surface, with a level and a 3.8% downhill grade, respectively. No significant improvements in performance or differences between the two groups were found for either criterion distance on any of the variables. Significant correlations, however, were found between increases in both SL and SF and decreases in both run times between pre- and post-training tests for both groups. Increases in SF were significantly correlated (r=0.918, p\u3c0.01) with improvements in 2000m run time in the D group. SF was also found to significantly correlate with 200m time, as was both SL and SF with 2000m run time. It was concluded that neither the D or L training program implemented in this study yielded significant improvements in 200m or 2000m run times. However, the results did imply that increasing both SL and SF may be factors in improving running performance. In addition, the results suggest that downhill running may be beneficial for enhancing middle distance (2000m) running performance, particularly in increasing SF