quicksquarenew_2020315213651837

Treadmill, Pavement, Trail Running. What you need to know!

As the weather is getting warmer outside and running season commences, we often get asked what’s the best surface to run on: treadmill, pavement, or a trail? Although there are differences in biomechanics, ground reaction forces, and musculature used when running on different surfaces, there isn’t a “best choice”. It all depends on your personal preference, goals, and injury considerations!

Stride length and biomechanics

Since a treadmill belt facilitates leg turnover, research suggests that treadmill running promotes a shorter stride length compared to running over ground on pavement or a trail. This suggests that outdoor running better mimics a natural gait cycle compared to treadmill running. A shorter stride length changes the biomechanics of running affecting the angle at which your ankle lands, the bend of your knee, and the amount your hip flexes. However, because the treadmill assists in leg turnover, it is easier to run faster on a treadmill compared to outdoor running. So, if your goal is to run faster, it’s beneficial to add speed intervals on a treadmill in your running routine.

Ground reaction forces (GRF) (shock absorption)

Treadmill belts are designed to absorb shock, which means there is less stress on your joints with every stride you take. Treadmill and trail running are similar in their ground reaction forces since trails are often mud and grass which is more forgiving compared to pavement. If your goal is to run long distances, then it may be wise to run on a surface that decreases the ground reaction forces through your joints. On the flip side, pavement running loads the bones which contributes to increased bone density over time. 

Energy expenditure (calories burned)

Due the variable nature of running on pavement and trails, more muscles are activated through the foot, ankle, knee and hip. Treadmill running is predictable, each stride doesn’t vary much with regards to biomechanics. The same stress is put through the ankle, knee, hip and low back with every stride you take. Every stride on your pavement or trail run is variable depending on the incline or decline of the surface, the smoothness of the surface, and the obstacles you encounter. Trail running offers the most amount of variability and requires the most amount of proprioception and activation of all muscles in the lower extremity. Due to the variable muscle requirement, pavement and trail running result in greater energy expenditures (calories burned) compared to treadmill running when running at the same tempo. However, research suggests that you can make up this deficit by adding a 1% incline on the treadmill.

Psychological benefits:

Running outside in nature boosts mood, lowers stress hormones, and exposes you to vitamin D (if the sun’s out). Outdoor running leaves you more stimulated and can seem less boring. 

Summary:

BENEFITTREADMILL OR PAVEMENT OR TRAIL
Natural gait cyclePavement and Trail
Speed trainingTreadmill
Shock absorption (long distance running)Treadmill and Trail
Bone density Pavement
Calories burnedPavement and Trail
Muscle variabilityPavement and Trail
Proprioception (balance training)Trail
Mood boostPavement and Trail
Environment controlTreadmill 

Our advice is to run on variable surfaces to reap all the different benefits that treadmill, pavement and trail running offer!

References:

Van Hooren, B., Fuller, J.T., Buckley, J.D. et al. Is Motorized Treadmill Running Biomechanically Comparable to Overground Running? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cross-Over Studies. Sports Med 50, 785–813 (2020). 

Share this post

Thomas Lalonde

Doctorate of Chiropractic

Dr. Thomas Lalonde is a Chiropractor with nearly a decade of experience in the Fitness/Rehab Industry. He holds a Diploma in Fitness and Health Promotion with honours from Humber college, a Bachelor’s Degree with Honours from Brock University, and a Doctorate of Chiropractic from The Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College.

Dr. Lalonde has an extensive background in treating sport injuries, specifically specializing in Golf Performance Therapy. In 2021, he traveled with the Toronto Players Tour as their Head Therapist, He took on the role of Head Performance Therapist for an Ontario based Golf Program and  continues to serve as the Head Therapist for the Osprey Valley Open on the PGA Tour Canada.

Throughout his education, Dr. Lalonde has spent time furthering his knowledge and is also Certified in Integrated Needling Acupuncture, Integrated Assessment + Integrated Patterning, Titleist Performance Institute, Active Release Technique as well as, Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization. He is also one of the Lead Instructors for Integrated Seminar Series – an innovative, evidence-informed courseware in mobility, movement patterning, rehabilitation, and Acupuncture for other healthcare providers taught around the world.

  • Doctor of Chiropractic
  • Bachelor of Kinesiology with Honours
  • Diploma of Fitness & Health Promotion
  • Integrated Needling Acupuncture Certified
  • Integrated Assessment
  • Integrated Patterning
  • Lead Instructor for Integrated Seminar Series
  • Titleist Performance Institute Level 1&2 Medical
  • Active Release Technique
  • Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization A&B
  • Certified Personal Trainer

Riley Dane

RMT, Hons. BA Kin

I started out in this field because I was inspired by the care and sports rehab that I received when I was an athlete. From competitive gymnastics to soccer to varsity track and field, I’ve been in and out of my fair share of clinics!

I have a passion for helping people return to doing what they love. Whether that be sports, recreational activity, or returning to a pain-free everyday life. I want to work as a team with each individual to create a treatment that fits their mental and physical needs. I believe that exercise and activity is an essential component of wellbeing and want my clients to be able to engage in these activities without compromise.

Education-wise I went to Western (GO STANGS!) for my undergrad, earning a Honours Bachelor of Arts with Specialization in Kinesiology and followed that with a Diploma of Massage Therapy from Sutherland-Chan.

In my spare time, I like to lift weights, read, play volleyball and spend time with family. I’m a huge sports fan, especially the Leafs, Raps and Jays!