Optimal stride length considerations for male and female recreational runners.

Features of animals having running ability greater than humans frequently include digitigrade gaits, with long and light limbs. The muscle bellies are nearer to the mass centre and the distal segments more tendinous. Human sprinters attempt elongation of the limbs by running on the ball of the foot but the muscular strain involved makes it impractical to do so for any distance longer than a sprint. Increased cushioning by the wellsprung human foot is made by rolling from the heel as the distances to be run become longer. The large forces generated at heel-strike due to deceleration and acceleration about the centre of gravity with each step are influenced by the anthropometric dimensions of the lower limb of the jogger. The adoption of optimal rate and length of stride in an attempt to tailor these factors to individual anthropometric measures may be crucial in increasing jogging efficiency.