Running Shoes Research Articles

A Pilot Study: Effects Of A 8-Week Training Intervention In Carbon-Plated Running Shoes

A Pilot Study: Effects Of A 8-Week Training Intervention In Carbon-Plated Running Shoes

Weathering alters the profile of trace metals and organic compounds in leachates and bioavailability extracts from microplastics of trail running shoes

Microplastics (MPs) from rubber outsoles of trail running shoes may contribute significantly to contamination in protected areas. In the natural environment, weathering processes can damage MP molecular structure and alter the mobility of inorganic and organic compounds used as additives in rubber. In this study, we characterised changes in the surface morphology, functional groups, and thermal stability of MPs weathered on and below the soil surface over 12 weeks, and analysed inorganic and organic additives in leachates (0.01M CaCl2) and bioaccessibility extracts (ethyl acetate). Weathering conditions included UVC irradiation at 25 °C and 80% soil moisture. Microplastics on the soil surface exhibited cracking, fragmentation, and increased extractability of zinc, sulphur, titanium and fatty acids. Microplastics below the soil surface were not significantly physically or chemically altered, however zinc leachability increased following extended weathering by up to 155%. Bioaccessibility of thiol, aromatic and cyclic organic additives decreased from both surface and sub-surface MPs over the 12 week weathering period, but there was evidence of an increase in transformation by-products. Microplastic toxicity may be significantly altered by environmental conditions and MP weathering. It is critical ecotoxicological studies use weathered MPs to assess impacts on rare and endemic species found in protected spaces.

Gender differences in footwear characteristics between half and full marathons in China: a cross-sectional survey

There are concerns about the risk of injuries caused by marathons in China. Since male and female runners have different injury risks, gender differences in running shoe functionality should be further complemented. A supervised questionnaire survey of 626 marathon runners was collected. The questionnaire was categorized into four sections: (1) participant profile, (2) importance of shoe properties, (3) functional evaluation of shoe properties and (4) importance ranking of shoe properties. The Mann–Whitney U test, Fisher’s exact test of cross tabulation and Chi-square test, and two-way ANOVA were used to analyze the results of this survey. The significance level was set at P < 0.05. The full marathon participants were older than the half marathon participants. There was no gender difference in the importance of shoe features to elite runners. In addition, women are more concerned about upper elasticity and have higher requirements for running shoes than men. Women were more focused on injury prevention, while men were more focused on running performance. Heel cushioning was identified by all participants as the most important running shoe feature. There were no gender differences between elite players’ demand for running shoes, but significant gender differences were found between genders at other running levels.

Influence of Running Shoe Longitudinal Bending Stiffness on Running Economy and Performance in Trained and National Level Runners.

Previous results about shoe longitudinal bending stiffness (LBS) and running economy (RE) show high variability. This study aimed to assess the effects of shoes with increased LBS on RE and performance in trained and national runners. Twenty-eight male runners were divided into two groups according to their 10-km performance times (trained, 38-45 min and national runners, <34 min). Subjects ran 2 × 3 min (at 9 and 13 km·h -1 for trained, and 13 and 17 km·h -1 for national runners) with an experimental shoe with carbon fiber plate to increase the LBS (Increased LBS) and a control shoe (without carbon fiber plate). We measured energy cost of running (W·kg -1 ) and spatiotemporal parameters in visit one and participants performed a 3000 m time trial (TT) in two successive visits. Increased LBS improved RE in the trained group at slow (11.41 ± 0.93 W·kg -1 vs 11.86 ± 0.93 W·kg -1 ) and fast velocity (15.89 ± 1.24 W·kg -1 vs 16.39 ± 1.24 W·kg -1 ) and only at the fast velocity in the national group (20.35 ± 1.45 W·kg -1 vs 20.78 ± 1.18 W·kg -1 ). The improvements in RE were accompanied by different changes in biomechanical variables between groups. There were a similar improvement in the 3000 m TT test in Increased LBS for trained (639 ± 59 vs 644 ± 61 s in control shoes) and national runners (569 ± 21 vs 574 ± 21 s in control shoes) with more constant pace in increased LBS compared with control shoes in both groups. Increasing shoe LBS improved RE at slow and fast velocities in trained runners and only at fast velocity in national runners. However, the 3000 m TT test improved similarly in both levels of runners with increased LBS. The improvements in RE are accompanied by small modifications in running kinematics that could explain the difference between the different levels of runners.

아동용 러닝화의 완충성능 디자인 비교 연구

In recent years, running, which can help children's physical strength in terms of healthy growth, has attracted attention as the most important sport for children. Therefore, the children's running shoe industry is concerned. The main purpose of children's running shoes is to provide effective shock absorption for the feet. This study takes children aged 8-12 as the research object and finds that the cushioning of children's running shoes can be divided into material cushioning and structural cushioning. Aiming at the above two cushioning characteristics, and the performance analysis of running shoes with two kinds of cushioning performance at the same time, based on subjective preferences Cushioning performance test of children's running shoes by degree analysis and instrument test method. The research results show that, different cushioning materials of children's running shoes can produce different cushioning performance, and the thickness and hardness of the sole will also affect children's cushioning performance.

Cluster analysis to identify possible subgroups in recreational runners and their preferred running shoes characteristics

Cluster analysis to identify possible subgroups in recreational runners and their preferred running shoes characteristics

Relationship between individual differences in runners' running shoe preferences and biomechanical characteristics

Relationship between individual differences in runners' running shoe preferences and biomechanical characteristics

A pilot study: effects of an 8-week training intervention in carbon-plated running shoes

A pilot study: effects of an 8-week training intervention in carbon-plated running shoes

Effect of carbon plate inserted in trail running shoes on foot and shank acceleration at different slopes

Effect of carbon plate inserted in trail running shoes on foot and shank acceleration at different slopes

The effect of carbon fiber plated shoes on submaximal running mechanics in non-elite runners

Running shoes constructed with midsole carbon fiber (CF) plates are often worn by elite long-distance runners and may result in mechanical and physiological changes (e.g. increased ground reaction forces, metabolic savings, and speed); however, the effect of these shoes is unknown in a non-elite population. We investigated biomechanical variables in non-elite runners running at submaximal speeds wearing the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2 shoes (Next%), a shoe with CF plates and specialized energy-returning foam, compared to a shoe without CF plates (Pegasus). 12 male (20.75 ± 0.62 years) and 18 female (22.94 ± 5.06 years) runners were recruited. Following a warmup (400 m) in their own shoes at their preferred pace, runners ran 800 m twice, once in each shoe: Pegasus or Next%. Stride frequency during the shoe trials was controlled (via metronome) to preferred stride frequency recorded in the warmup. Wearable running analysis IMUs were worn to collect data. Stride length was significantly greater (p < 0.000) in Next% (2.97 ± 0.49 m) than in Pegasus (2.85 ± 0.46 m). Horizontal GRF was significantly higher (p = 0.009) in Next% (9.35 ± 1.92 N/kg/s) than in Pegasus (8.72 ± 1.41 N/kg/s). While wearing the Next% shoe, non-elite runners exhibited a significant increase in stride length and horizontal GRF while maintaining a constant stride frequency which ultimately resulted in an increase in running speed.

Bespoke Fuzzy Logic Design to Automate a Better Understanding of Running Gait Analysis.

Running gait assessment and running shoe recommendation is important for the injury prevention of runners who exhibit different skill-levels and running styles. Traditionally, running gait assessment for shoe recommendation relies upon a combination of trained professionals (e.g., sports-therapists, physiotherapists) and complex equipment such as motion or pressure sensors, often incurring a high-cost to the consumer. Despite this, assessments are still prone to subjectivity, and may differ between assessors. Alternatively, methods to provide low-cost, reproduceable gait assessment has become a necessity, especially within a habitual (low-resource) context, with many traditional methods generally unavailable due to the need of professional assistance and more recently the COVID-19 pandemic. Fuzzy logic has shown to be an effective tool in the assessment and identification of gait by providing the potential for a high-accuracy methodology, while retaining a low computational cost; ideal for applications within embedded systems. Here, we present a novel shoe recommendation fuzzy inference system from the classification of two key running gait parameters, foot strike and pronation from a single foot mounted internet of thing (IoT) enabled wearable inertial measurement unit. The fuzzy approach provides excellent (ICC > 0.9) accuracy, while significantly increasing the resolution of the gait assessment technique, providing a more detailed running gait analysis.

Simulation of Lower Limb Muscle Activation Using Running Shoes with Different Heel-to-Toe Drops Using Opensim.

Although numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the acute effects of shoe drops on running kinematics and kinetic variables, their effects on muscle forces remain unknown. Thus, the primary aim of this study was to compare the muscle force, kinematics, and kinetic variables of habitually rearfoot runners with heel-to-toe drops of negative 8 mm shoes (minimalist shoes) and positive 9 mm shoes (normal shoes) during the running stance phase by using musculoskeletal modeling and simulation techniques. Experimental data of lower limb kinematics, ground reaction force, and muscle activation from 16 healthy runners with rearfoot strike patterns were collected and analyzed in OpenSim. Using Matlab, the statistical parameter mapping paired t-test was used to compare the joint angle, moment, and muscle force waveform. The results revealed differences in the sagittal ankle and hip angles and sagittal knee moments between the different heel-to-toe drops of running shoes. Specifically, it showed that the negative 8 mm running shoes led to significantly smaller values than the positive 9 mm running shoes in terms of the angle of ankle dorsiflexion, ankle eversion, knee flexion, hip flexion, and hip internal and hip external rotation. The peak ankle dorsiflexion moment, ankle plantarflexion moment, ankle eversion moment, knee flexion moment, knee abduction moment, and knee internal rotation also decreased obviously with the minimalist running shoes, while the lateral gastrocnemius, Achilleas tendon, and extensor hallucis longus muscles were obviously greater in the minimalist shoes compared to normal shoes. The vastus medialis, vastus lateralis and extensor digitorum longus muscles force were smaller in the minimalist shoes. Runners may shift to a midfoot strike pattern when wearing negative running shoes. High muscle forces in the gastrocnemius lateral, Achilleas tendon, and flexor hallucis longus muscles may also indicate an increased risk of Achilleas tendonitis and ankle flexor injuries.

The influence of running shoe with different carbon-fiber plate designs on internal foot mechanics: A pilot computational analysis

A carbon-fiber plate (CFP) embedded into running shoes is a commonly applied method to improve running economy, but little is known in regard the effects of CFP design features on internal foot mechanics. This study aimed to explore how systematic changes in CFP geometrical variations (i.e., thickness and location) can alter plantar pressure and strain under the forefoot as well as metatarsal stress state through computational simulations. A foot-shoe finite element (FE) model was built and different CFP features including three thicknesses (1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm) and three placements (high-loaded (just below the insole), mid-loaded (in between the midsole), and low-loaded (just above the outsole)) were further modulated within the shoe sole. Simulations were conducted at the impact peak instant during forefoot strike running. Compared with the no-CFP shoe, peak plantar pressure and compressive strain under the forefoot consistently decreased when the CFP thickness increased, and the low-loaded conditions were found more effective (peak pressure decreased up to 31.91% and compressive strain decreased up to 18.61%). In terms of metatarsal stress, CFP designs resulted in varied effects and were dependent on their locations. Specifically, high-loaded CFP led to relatively higher peak metatarsal stress without the reduction trend as thickness increased (peak stress increased up to 12.91%), while low-loaded conditions showed a gradual reduction in peak stress, decreasing by 0.74%. Therefore, a low-loaded thicker CFP should be considered to achieve the pressure-relief effects of running shoes without the expense of increased metatarsal stress.

Adolescents running in conventional running shoes have lower vertical instantaneous loading rates but greater asymmetry than running barefoot or in partial-minimal shoes

ABSTRACT Footwear may moderate the transiently heightened asymmetry in lower limb loading associated with peak growth in adolescence during running. This repeated-measures study compared the magnitude and symmetry of peak vertical ground reaction force and instantaneous loading rates (VILRs) in adolescents during barefoot and shod running. Ten adolescents (age, 10.6 ± 1.7 years) ran at self-selected speed (1.7 ± 0.3 m/s) on an instrumented treadmill under three counter-balanced conditions; barefoot and shod with partial-minimal and conventional running shoes. All participants were within one year of their estimated peak height velocity based on sex-specific regression equations. Foot-strike patterns, peak vertical ground reaction force and VILRs were recorded during 20 seconds of steady-state running. Symmetry of ground reaction forces was assessed using the symmetry index. Repeated-measures ANOVAs were used to compare conditions (α=.05). Adolescents used a rearfoot foot-strike pattern during barefoot and shod running. Use of conventional shoes resulted in a lower VILR (P < .05, dz = 0.9), but higher VILR asymmetry (P < .05) than running barefoot (dz = 1.5) or in partial-minimal shoes (dz = 1.6). Conventional running shoes result in a lower VILR than running unshod or in partial-minimal shoes but may have the unintended consequence of increasing VILR asymmetry. The findings may have implications for performance, musculoskeletal development and injury in adolescents.

Cellulosic nanofibers look to leave the lab

Pancakes that stay fluffy even when packaged and shipped far away. Cars that weigh 15% less. Running shoes that are lighter and more rugged. These are a just few of the consumer goods on the market or under development in Japan in which wood-derived cellulosic nanofibers (CNFs) are a vital component. In a heavily forested country with a rich history of woodworking, CNFs have great appeal, but so far the material is mostly a curiosity. CNFs’ potential has long been known. Soon after they were discovered in the 1970s, researchers saw that they offered many possibilities because of their low weight and a tensile strength several times that of steel. With sustainability now a concern for makers of consumer products, the fact that CNFs come from wood enhances their appeal. Because they are hard to produce economically, however, CNFs have so far caught on commercially only in niche applications. According

Does switching from traditional running shoes to minimalist running shoes decrease injury rates?

Does switching from traditional running shoes to minimalist running shoes decrease injury rates?

성장기 아동을 위한 러닝화 디자인 개발연구

As the increase of number of childrens under China’s three-child policy, the demand for children’s running shoes is also expected to rise. In consideration of the physiological function, developmental characteristics, and biomechanical characteristics during children’s development, the running shoes are designed to protect their feet and accelerate their development. Subject to the biomechanical characteristics and preference of design, children’s running shoes have to be designed systematically. Considering the features of children’s feet, all-around researches and analysises were conducted to develop shoes that protect children’s feet. To protect the feet and the long-term development of children from pes valgus and flatfoot, the development of running shoe with protection was proposed. As the development direction, the outsole design should be in form with anti-slippery and force dispersion features while the midsole was air cushion structure to relieve the possible pressure from body weight and generated during movements. Secondly, it was a shape that support the ankle joint of the shoe upper.&#x0D; As a method of the experiment, two types of running shoes of the related comparative experimental group were selected, performance analysis, and subjective preference analysis were conducted. In the preference analysis, prototype running shoes were more aesthetic than the other two types of running shoes, and in terms of stability, the range of joint activity was better than that of the comparative group, and in terms of force absorption, prototype running shoes were higher than that of the comparative control group. Combining the research and developing running shoes for the protection of growing children's feet through biomechanical experiments can help to protect their feet more effectively, convincing consumers through persuasive marketing approach, and establishing a helpful design process for developing running shoe.

Time course of muscle activation, energetics and mechanics of running in minimalist and traditional cushioned shoes during level running

The study aimed to compare the ankle muscles activation, biomechanics and energetics of running in male runners during submaximal level run using minimalist (MinRS) and traditional cushioned (TrdRS) running shoes. During 45-min running in MinRS and TrdRS, the ankle muscles pre- and co-activation, biomechanics, and energetics of running of 16 male endurance runners (25.5 ± 3.5 yr) were assessed using surface electromyography (tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius lateralis), instrumented treadmill and indirect calorimetry, respectively. The net energy cost of running (Cr) was similar for both conditions (P = 0.25) with a significant increase over time (P < 0.0001). Step frequency (P < 0.001), and total mechanical work (P = 0.001) were significantly higher in MinRS than in TrdRS with no evolution over time (P = 0.28 and P = 0.85, respectively). The ankle muscles pre- and co-activation during the contact phase did not differ between the two shoe conditions (P ≥ 0.33) or over time (P ≥ 0.15). In conclusion, during 45-min running, Cr and muscle pre- and co-activation were not significantly different between MinRS and TrdRS with significantly higher step frequency and total mechanical work noted in the former than in the latter. Moreover, Cr significantly increased during the 45-min trial in both shoe conditions along with no significant change over time in muscle activation and biomechanical variables.

Why disruptive sport competition technologies are used by amateur athletes? An analysis of Nike Vaporfly shoes

Objectives: The Vaporfly tech by Nike (VFT) for road running shoes has supposed a disruption in distance running shoes. Academic research suggests that VFT improves performance, at least, in elite and sub-elite athletes. This paper assesses empirically factors influencing the acceptance of disruptive competition technologies, focusing on the perceptions about the VFT shoes by amateur athletes.&#x0D; Material and methods: We analyse a survey over 252 Spanish amateur athletes. Our research uses Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), including ethical awareness of athlete that is measured by means of their judgement on moral equity (ME), and athlete income.&#x0D; Results: The proposed model explains almost half of the intention to use (IU) disruptive technologies by athletes in all regressions. Significant influential factors on IU are Easiness to Use (EU), Performance Expectancy (PE), perception on ME and Income level of the athlete. Surprisingly, Social Influence (SI) has a weak influence on the IU. Structural equation model fitted by means of partial least squares leads to similar results than Poisson regression.&#x0D; Discussion: This paper applies a theoretical framework that combines findings in consumer behaviour (UTAUT model) and moral equity dimension of a multiple ethical scale to explain intention to use VFT. Of course, proposed methodology can be used to evaluate a disruptive tech within the context of any other sport.&#x0D; Conclusions: These findings have important implications in the sport industry. As we expected and also has shown by reviewed literature linked to sport tech, conventional UTAUT has been revealed useful theoretical framework to explain the acceptance of disruptive sport competitive techs. But, in addition, ethical aspects also should be considered in their development.

Effect of submaximal running in rocker shoes on gluteal muscle activation under different running conditions

Iliotibialis syndrome is one of the most common types of running injury of the lateral knee. Earlier studies have mainly focused on the relationship between iliotibialis syndrome and hip muscle forces, since the latter are often the target of intervention during rehabilitation. The results suggest that a curved shoe sole may affect lower limb mechanics during running. The main purpose of this study was to assess the effects of different curves of rocker shoes on activation of the musculus gluteus medius and maximus under various running conditions. Fifteen recreational runners (1.77 ± 0.44 m height, 74.25 ± 6.68 kg weight, 23.73 ± 1.79 kg/m 2 BMI) were recruited to test three rocker shoes with different forefoot curvatures on a flat laboratory floor and a treadmill at flat, uphill, and downhill gradients. Surface electromyography data were collected for musculus gluteus medius and maximus, resulting in a three-way within-subject design (running condition (4) x shoe (3) x muscle (2)) with 24 measurement combinations for each runner. A linear mixed model was fitted to the data to quantify running condition, shoe curve and muscle effects. The main effects of running condition, shoe and muscle were estimated. While running uphill, significant decreases were observed in both peak ( P = 0.021, log%MVC) and duration ( P = 0.015, log%MVC) compared to running on a flat laboratory surface. Both average (0.033 log%MVC) and peak muscle activation (0.069 log%MVC) were increased with a smaller radius of shoe curvature. In conclusion, the study shows that rocker shoes appear to affect gluteal muscle activation and could potentially assist in stabilising the pelvis during running. This knowledge might be of interest for runners with an increased risk of ITBS and may therefore gain health benefits from wearing rocker shoes. Le syndrome de l’iliotibialis est l’un des types les plus courants de blessure en course à pied du genou latéral. Les études précédentes se sont principalement concentrées sur la relation entre le syndrome iliotibialis et les forces musculaires de la hanche, puisque ces dernières sont souvent la cible d’interventions lors de la rééducation. Les résultats suggèrent qu’une semelle de chaussure incurvée peut affecter la mécanique des membres inférieurs pendant la course. L’objectif principal de cette étude était d’évaluer les effets de différentes courbes de chaussures à bascule sur l’activation du muscle fessier moyen et du muscle grand fessier dans diverses conditions de course. Quinze coureurs récréatifs (1,77 ± 0,44 m taille, 74,25 ± 6,68 kg poids, 23,73 ± 1,79 kg/m 2 BMI) ont été recrutés pour tester trois chaussures à bascule avec différentes courbures de l’avant-pied sur un sol de laboratoire plat et un tapis roulant à plat, en montée et en descente. Des données d’électromyographie de surface ont été recueillies pour le musculus gluteus medius et le maximus, ce qui a permis d’obtenir une conception à trois voies au sein du sujet (condition de course (4) x chaussure (3) x muscle (2)) avec 24 combinaisons de mesures pour chaque coureur. Un modèle linéaire mixte a été adapté aux données pour quantifier les effets de la condition de course, de la courbe de la chaussure et du muscle. Les principaux effets de la condition de course, de la chaussure et du muscle ont été estimés. Lors de la course en montée, des diminutions significatives ont été observées tant au niveau du pic ( p = 0,021, log%MVC) que de la durée ( p = 0,015, log%MVC) par rapport à la course sur une surface plane de laboratoire. L’activation musculaire moyenne (0,033 log%MVC) et maximale (0,069 log%MVC) a augmenté avec un rayon de courbure de la chaussure plus petit. En conclusion, l’étude montre que les chaussures à bascule semblent affecter l’activation des muscles fessiers et pourraient potentiellement aider à stabiliser le bassin pendant la course. Cette connaissance pourrait être intéressante pour les coureurs présentant un risque accru de SII et qui pourraient donc tirer des avantages pour leur santé du port de chaussures à bascule.