Effect of Highly Cushioned Shoes on Ground Reaction Forces during Running

Abstract

In contrast to the recent trend of minimal footwear, highly cushioned running shoes have begun to emerge on the market. These shoes are designed with a very thick midsole, with claims that they reduce the impact of landing. However, the effect of these shoes on impacts has not been examined. PURPOSE: To compare the ground reaction forces during running in the highly cushioned (HC) and traditional (TR) running shoes. METHODS: 5 healthy male runners (age 33.7 ± 13.6), who run a minimum of 10 mpw in TR running shoes, have been recruited in this ongoing study. All subjects underwent an instrumented treadmill analysis, first with a neutral, TR shoe and then with a HC shoe. Subjects ran at a self-selected speed (range 2.46 - 2.91 m/s), which remained constant across conditions. Variables associated with impact were assessed to include, vertical impact peak (VIP), instantaneous (VILR) and average (VALR) load rate, peak lateral force (PLF) and peak medial force (PMF). Additionally, peak vertical force (PVF) was assessed. All force values were normalized to body weight. Mean and percent differences were calculated. A statistical analysis will be performed when all subjects have been recruited and tested. RESULTS: Rather than lower impact forces, running in highly cushioned shoes resulted in similar VIP and VILR, PMF and PVF. VALR was actually higher in the HC shoes and this variable has been linked with injuries. PLF was lower in the HC shoes, which may result in a reduction of the pronatory moment on the foot. CONCLUSION: Based on these very preliminary results, with the exception of PLF, ground reaction force variables were not lowered by running in a HC shoe. These results will be re-examined when additional subjects are added.Table: No title available.