A review of uphill and downhill running: biomechanics, physiology and modulating factors.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review synthesizing biomechanical and physiological literature without systematic review methodology or meta-analysis.
PubMed 41209300 · doi:10.3389/fbioe.2025.1690023
What was done
This narrative review synthesized literature on the biomechanical and physiological adaptations associated with uphill and downhill running compared to level running. It evaluated how slope interacts with modulating factors such as footwear design (e.g., carbon-fiber plate shoes), foot strike patterns, individual runner characteristics, pacing strategies, cadence, and running speed.
What was found
The abstract reports purely qualitative findings without numerical data or effect sizes. Uphill running increases propulsion demands, energy expenditure, oxygen consumption, and cardiovascular strain. Downhill running relies heavily on eccentric contractions, elevating fatigue and injury risk. Modulating factors influence these demands: carbon-fiber plate footwear reduces metabolic cost on slopes; forefoot striking lowers peak impact forces relative to rearfoot striking, particularly on declines; cadence adjustments decrease per-step loads and energetic cost; and higher training experience improves adaptability to graded terrain.
Why it matters
This review integrates mechanical and metabolic adaptations across different slopes, outlining practical technique and equipment adjustments to optimize running economy and reduce musculoskeletal load.
Limits
The abstract provides no quantitative metrics, effect sizes, search strategy, or study count, characteristic of an unsystematic narrative review. It also notes a lack of real-world outdoor ecological validation and clear understanding of multi-factor interactions.
Cited by
- supports Downhill running is an eccentric form of aerobic training.