Abstract
The heel-to-toe drop of running shoes is a key parameter influencing lower extremity kinematics during running. Previous studies testing running shoes with lower or larger drops generally used minimalist or maximalist shoes, where the factors outside of the drop may lead to the observed changes in running biomechanics. Therefore, our aim was to compare the strike patterns, impact force, and lower extremity biomechanics when running in shoes that varied only in their drops. Eighteen habitual rearfoot strikers performed trials wearing running shoes with four drop conditions: 15 mm, 10 mm, 5 mm, and without a drop. Three-dimensional (3D) tracks of the reflective markers and impact force were synchronously collected using a video graphic acquisition system and two force plates. The biomechanical parameters were compared among the four drop conditions using one-way ANOVA of repeated measures. A greater foot inclination angle (p = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.36) at initial contact and a lower vertical loading rate (p = 0.002, ηp2 = 0.32) during the standing phase were found when running in shoes with large drops compared with running in shoes without a drop. Running in shoes with large drops, as opposed to without, significantly increased the peak knee extension moment (p = 0.002, ηp2 = 0.27), but decreased the peak ankle eversion moment (p = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.35). These findings suggest that the heel-to-toe drop of running shoes significantly influences the running pattern and the loading on lower extremity joints. Running shoes with large drops may be disadvantageous for runners with knee weakness and advantageous for runners with ankle weakness.
Highlights
As one of the most popular sporting activities, running is an effective way to improve cardiovascular function and physical fitness [1]
Our results revealed that the foot inclination angle at initial contact was more than 5.7◦ larger when running in shoes with large drops compared with running in shoes without a drop
Our results showed a greater knee flexion angle and extension moment during the middle standing phase when wearing shoes with large drops but no significant differences for the knee flexion angle at initial contact, which is consistent with the conclusions of a previous study
Summary
As one of the most popular sporting activities, running is an effective way to improve cardiovascular function and physical fitness [1]. As the key equipment for running activity, well- designed running shoes are very important for optimizing the impact force and lower extremity loading that are related to running injuries. In spite of the constant innovation in running shoe design and advances in cushioning technology in the past few decades, running-related injuries and recurrence rates remain surprisingly high [3]. Various factors may lead to the etiology of running-related injuries. The amount, frequency, and timing of vertical impact force are considered to be the key factors causing lower extremity running-related injuries [4,5,6]. Mitigating the factors associated with vertical impact force seems to be the focus when aiming to decrease the risk of running-related injuries
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
