The effects of stride frequency manipulation on physiological and perceptual responses during backward and forward running with body weight support

We investigated the influence of a change in stride frequency on physiological and perceptual responses during forward and backward running at different body weight support (BWS) levels. Participants ran forward and backward at 0% BWS, 20% BWS, and 50% BWS conditions on a lower body positive pressure treadmill. The stride frequency conditions consisted of forward and backward running at preferred stride frequency (PSF), PSF + 10%, and PSF-10%. We measured oxygen uptake ($$\dot{V}$$O2), carbon dioxide production, heart rate (HR), muscle activity from the lower extremity, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Furthermore, we calculated the metabolic cost of transport (CoT). $$\dot{V}$$O2, HR, CoT, and muscle activity from the rectus femoris were significantly different between stride frequency conditions (P < 0.05). $$\dot{V}$$O2, HR, and CoT during running at PSF + 10% were significantly higher than when running at PSF, regardless of running direction and BWS (P < 0.05). However, RPE was not different between stride frequency conditions (P > 0.05: e.g., 12.8–13.8 rankings in RPE for backward running at 0% BWS). Manipulation of stride frequency during running may have a greater impact on physiological responses than on perceptual responses at a given speed, regardless of running direction and BWS. Individuals who need to increase their physiological demands during running may benefit from a 10% increase in stride frequency from the PSF, regardless of BWS and running direction.