Association of footprint measurements and running training level, performance success, and training specificity

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the association of various footprint measurements and running training level (high school vs. post-high school), training specificity (sprint vs. distance), and performance success amongst competitive runners. Footprint parameters are variable between individuals. Several studies have assessed footprint measurements’ relationship to injury, but not the relationship with performance characteristics. One hundred and three high school and post- high school competitive runners were assessed for running ability and provided footprints. Athletes documented personal bests in competitive events. All footprints were digitized with PictZar-Calibrated Digital Measurements version 4.02 and the following calculations were made: truncated arch index (TAI), arch index (AI), Chippaux-Smirak Index (CSI), and Staheli Index (SAI). Post-high school runners exhibited lower TAI [0.347 (0.138), 0.260 (0.086)], higher AI [0.267 (0.035), 0.299 (0.031)], lower CSI [2.538 (0.639), 2.139 (0.394)], and higher SAI [0.684 (0.162), 0.816 (0.133)] [HS, PHS mean (SD)] (P < 0.001). Faster sprinters were associated with lower TAI, higher AI, lower CSI, and higher SAI (P < 0.03). There was no statistical significance demonstrated with any footprint assessment and training specificity. Univariate analysis did not reveal body mass index as a significant independent predictor of variables. These results indicate an association between footprint measurements and both running competition level and performance success. Such associations may represent physical foot posture characteristics associated with a competitive advantage or consequences of extensive training. The biomechanical implications and other determinants of this relationship remain to be investigated.