Classifying Endurance Runners by Kinematics Strengthens Relationships of Muscle-Tendon Unit Function with Running Economy and Performance

Key Points

• To explore how kinematic clustering of endurance runners enhances understanding of muscle-tendon unit function in relation to running economy and performance.
• Used kinematic-based clustering to categorize endurance runners.
• Analyzed sex- and cluster-specific associations of muscle-tendon unit function with running economy.
• Evaluated performance outcomes in relation to identified clusters.
• Identification of distinct kinematic clusters among endurance runners.
• Stronger relationships between muscle-tendon unit function and energy cost of running within clusters.
• Implications for personalized training strategies in endurance running.