This study examined whether changes in running economy were associated with changes in alignment of the resultant ground reaction force (GRF) and leg axis and consequent changes in joint moment arms after a ten-week running programme (10wkRP). Ten novice, female runners completed a 10wkRP with biomechanical and physiological testing occurring both pre- and post-10wkRP. Oxygen consumption (VO2) decreased (8%) and the resultant GRF and leg axis at peak propulsion was better aligned post-10wkRP compared to pre-10wkRP (10.8 vs. 1.6°, respectively). The change in VO2 was associated with the change in alignment of the resultant GRF and leg axis (rs= 0.88, p = 0.02). Aligning the resultant GRF vector with the leg axis at peak propulsion appears to be a self-optimisation strategy that may improve performance.
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