Training Shoes Research Articles

Ground reaction force measures when running in soccer boots and soccer training shoes on a natural turf surface

There are differences in ground reaction force when wearing soccer boots compared with training shoes on a natural turf surface. Two natural-turf-covered force platforms, located outdoors in a field, allowed comparison of performance when six-studded soccer boots and soccer training shoes were worn during straight fast running (5.4 m s-1 ± 0.27 m s-1) and slow running (4.4 ms-1 ± 0.22 m s-1). Six male soccer players (mean age: 25 ± 4.18 years; mean mass 79.7 ±9.32 kg) struck the first platform with the right foot and the second platform with the left foot. In fast running, the mean vertical impact peak was significantly greater in soccer boots (2.706 BW) than in training shoes (2.496 BW) when both the right and left foot were considered together and averaged (P = 0.003). Similarly, the mean vertical impact peak loading rate was greater when wearing soccer boots at 26.09 BWs-1 compared to training shoes (21.32 BWs-1;P = 0.002). Notably, the mean vertical impact peak loading rate of the left foot (boots: 28.07 BWs-1; shoes: 22.52 BWs-1) was significantly greater than the right foot (boots: 24.11 BWs-1; shoes: 20.11 BWs-1) in both boots and shoes (P = 0.018). The braking force was greater for the left foot (P = 0.013). In contrast, mean peak vertical propulsion forces were greater for the right foot (P > 0.001) when either soccer boots or training shoes were considered. Similar significant trends were evident in slow running, and, notably, in both soccer boots and training shoes medial forces were greater for the left foot (P = 0.008) and lateral forces greater for the right foot (P = 0.011). This study showed the natural turf ground reaction force measurement system can highlight differences in footwear in an ecological environment. Greater forces and impact loading rates occurred during running activity in soccer boots than in training shoes, with soccer boots showing reduced shock attenuation at impact. Such findings may have implications for impact-related injuries with sustained exposure, especially on harder natural-turf surfaces. There were differences in the forces occurring at the right and left feet with the ground, thus suggesting the use of bipedal monitoring of ground reaction forces.

Prophylactic surgical debridement of foot punctures in 146 children. A year's practice with a review of the literature

We looked at a year's experience of treating foot puncture injuries in a child population. There were 196 possible children identified from the theatre records. Of these, 146 had a history of a foot puncture injury. There were 111 boys and 35 girls ranging from two to fifteen years and a mean age of nine. There were two peaks at ten and thirteen. These injuries most frequently in the summer and were mostly as a result of a nail puncturing a training shoe. The majority were seen within 24 h of their injury and had their debridement within 24 h of their referral. Eleven per cent of children had a foreign body in the wound. Very few cases were discharged without prophylactic antibiotics but the most frequently used preparation had no anti pseudomonal properties. There was a 1.7% infection rate. There were no pseudomonas infections—only staphylococcus.

Plantar pressure and EMG activity of simulated and actual ski jumping take-off.

Plantar pressures and activation of the four muscles (VL - vastus lateralis, GL - gluteus, TA - tibialis anterior and GA - lat. gastrocnemius) were measured from ten ski jumpers under simulated laboratory conditions with training shoes (Lab TS) and with jumping boots (Lab JB) as well as in actual hill jumping conditions (Hill). The most significant differences between measured conditions were found in muscle activation patterns and plantar pressures prior to take-off. The centrifugal force due to the curvature of the inrun under actual hill jumping conditions caused extra pressure under the fore and rear parts of the feet (P<0.001) and therefore higher activation in all muscles (P<0.001 for VL, TA and GA and P<0.01 for GL). The actual take-off was characterized by high pressure under the toes during the early phase and high pressure under the heel during the latter phase of take-off. However, this should probably he interpreted as a commonly used improper technique where the balance during take-off is not well maintained to allow effective force production. Activation of GA, especially with regard to anteroposterior pressure distribution under the feet, differed significantly between the measured conditions. The role of GA for explosive force production during ski jumping take-off is much smaller as compared to that of the knee and hip extensor muscles.

Ski jumping boots limit effective take-off in ski jumping

In this study, we measured the vertical and horizontal take-off forces, plantar pressures and activation patterns of four muscles (vastus lateralis, gluteus maximus, tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius) in 10 ski jumpers in simulated laboratory conditions when wearing either training shoes or ski jumping boots. We found significant differences in vertical ( P ≪ 0.001), horizontal ( P ≪ 0.05) and resultant ( P ≪ 0.001) take-off velocities and vertical force impulse ( P ≪ 0.01). We found no significant differences in the jumpers' initial take-off positions; however, the jumping boots condition resulted in a smaller displacement in the final position of the following joint angles: ankle angle ( P ≪ 0.001), knee angle ( P ≪ 0.001), hip angle ( P ≪ 0.01) and shank angle relative to the horizontal ( P ≪ 0.01). This corresponds with less electromyographic activity during take-off in both the gastrocnemius (300 to 200 ms and 200 to 100 ms before take-off) and gluteus maximus (300 to 200 ms and 100 to 0 ms before take-off). During the early take-off in the jumping boots condition, significantly more pressure was recorded under the heel ( P ≪ 0.001), whereas the forefoot was more highly loaded at the end of the take-off. Differences in take-off velocity (representing the final output of the take-off) can be accounted for in the main by the different use of plantar flexion, emphasizing the role of the knee and hip extensors when wearing jumping boots. We conclude that the stiffness of the structure of the jumping boots may result in a forward shift of pressure, thus limiting the effective vertical force. To avoid this pressure shift, the pattern of movement of simulated take-offs should be carefully controlled, particularly when wearing training shoes.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa osteomyelitis of the distal phalanx of the great toe following blunt injury: a case report

This is a case report of a young patient who sustained a blunt injury to the great toe distal phalanx when he had been wearing training shoes and subsequently developed Pseudomonas osteomyelitis. He had no puncture wound but did sustain a breach of the continuity between skin and the base of the nail. This case is highlighted to stress the importance of blunt injuries occurring to a foot in a training shoe when the deep structures are exposed and the possible consequences of such an event.

El valor de marca: perspectivas de análisis y criterios de estimación

An important issue was raised for discussion trough the last decade regarding the meaning of brand equity. Different forms of analysis and estimation criteria have been applied, and that is the reason for the current ambiguity on its meaning. In this article, we present a theoretical frame were several forms of study and criteria for brand equity estimation are empirically analysed. Using six different brands of training shoes, seven estimation variables are empirically analysed in accordance with the opinions given by a sample of users for these different brands. By means of this analysis, it is our aim to contribute to a better knowledge on he concept of brand equity.

長距離選手における走行時の足底圧分布

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the skills in making contact with the ground during running among long distance runners. The pressure distribution on the plantar surface was measured by F-SCAN system to evaluate and measure foot contact style. At the same time, ground reaction forces were measured, and the leg motion of runners was videotaped by a high-speed video camera. Measurements were performed under the feet of three skilled and two unskilled long distance runners on three various conditions of shoes (training shoes, marathon shoes, bare feet) and speed (jogging, 5000m race pace, last spurt pace in 5000m race). The following remarks were obtained; (1) For skilled runners, as running speed increased, the point of contact with the ground and the pressure distribution pattern varied in any condition of shoes. On the other hand, among unskilled runners, even if running speed increased, similar variation to that of skilled runners was not found, except for the case of bare feet. (2) In all of the subjects, as the values of pressure generally became greater, the shoe soles were thinner. (3) In all of the subjects, as the values of pressure increased the ground reaction forces tended to increase. In the case of wearing shoes, as running speed rose, the pressure distribution on the plantar surface became greater at the first peak in the ground reaction forces. (4) Among skilled runners, as the shoes became thiner, the time of the foot contact decreased. (5) Among skilled rnners as running speed increased, although the moved distance of the center of pressure in longitudinal direction decreased, the movement in crosswise direction tended to increase. Finally, the relative load analysis from pressure distribution measurements provided additional information about behavior in contact with the ground among long distance runners.

The modelling and performance of training shoe cushioning systems

Training shoes are available with different technical features, many of which relate to the sole cushioning system. Such systems tend to fall into two classes: air-soled (AS) and non-air-soled (NAS). In the current work, finite element analyses were used to determine whether a hyperelastic constitutive equation can be used to model deformation that is consistent with physical, quasi-static, uniaxial compression tests. An axisymmetric mesh of homogeneous N=1 hyperfoam elements was used and the material constants were independently and incrementally adjusted in successive runs until the results matched physical tests. The use of N=1 hyperelasticity keeps the number of free parameters to a minimum, to encourage the use of the model for future design analyses. However the finite element results suggests that only the power-stiffening index, α, need be varied to account for the measured difference in trainer response. This index then lends itself to use as an indicator of relative cushioning and, potentially, of running economy. To confirm that cushioning, as measured by α, has a beneficial effect on running economy, 14 athletes were randomly assigned to wear AS or NAS trainers during two submaximal bouts of treadmill running. Contrary to expectations, no significant difference was found in oxygen uptake, heartrate or rating of perceived exertion with either type of shoe. The expected improvement in these physiological factors must be negated by another shoe parameter. This forces a reappraisal of the value of any single parameter as a performance indicator. A second likely influence is the shoe weight, W, but both product designers and runners would benefit from knowing the relative effect of these conflicting factors. The grouping α√W is suggested as a shoe performance index. Some treatment is also given to the matter of ‘energy return’ in trainers, in a bid to correct widespread misconceptions about this claimed effect.

OVERUSE SYNDROME-CROSS-COUNTRY

1274 HISTORY -- 18 y.o. WF college freshman cross-country runner who presented to the Team Physician with the complaint of pain in her right hip, knees, shins and back of heel pain bilaterally. She had been a very successful high school cross-country runner but now in college her training program was much more intense. Her pain had increased steadily since she had started her freshman year two months prior and now she had both walking pain and a mild limp. She denied swelling, bruising, or acute traumatic injury. Her training shoes were three months old. She had hyper-pronation of the feet for which she wore orthotics which were less than a year old. She ran 40 miles per week in practice and did strength-training in the gym. PMH: “Loose joints.” Six year h/o B/L shoulder dislocations (over 25 times.) Shoulders had “come out” as often as 3x/basketball game and she had reduced them voluntarily. Ankle dislocations- 10x on R and 6x on L before ankle surgery. Right hip “pops in and out” during exercise and running. Easy bruisability, Asthma, Exercise-induced anaphylaxis, Allergic rhinitis, Nasal fx. PSH: Elbow fx & ORIF, R ankle stabilization (personeal tendon transfer) two years prior. Family Hx: Father had dislocations of R shoulder, Aunt diagnosed with “loose joints.” Allergies: NKDA. Meds: Hismanal, Proventil, Intal, Epi-Pen. ROS: Denies CP, SOB, Rashes, Swollen joints PHYSICAL EXAM: GEN: 18yo in NAD, slender VSS: HT-5'7” Wt-144 lbs. BP-94/62 CV: RRR no m,r,g SKIN: hyper-elastic (stretched to 3.5 cm at elblow), no cigarette-paper scar tissue. UPPER EXTREMITY: Elbows hyperextended to -20 °. Shoulders had forward flexion to 240 °, Abduction to 220 °, external rotation to 151 °, internal rotation to 160 °. Her wrists flexed to 125 °, extended to 115 °, & supinated to 170 °. Her 2nd finger at the MTP had -105 ° of extension. 5/5 overall strength. No arachnodactyly. LOWER EXTREMITY: Hips extended to 80 °, ext. rotated to 89°, int. rotated to 74 °, R Hip tender over Greater Trochanter, (+) Sartorius tenderness in Patrick's position. Knees extended to -10°, nl meniscal exam, +1 laxity of ligaments w/o pain, B/L (+) Clarkes, (+) Patellar grind, (+) RPT, AQ angle 20 °, (+) Obers (R only). Ankles dorsiflexed to 45 °, plantar flexed to 85 °, Achilles tendons & retrocalcaneal bursas - tender. B/L post. med. tibial tenderness (dist. 1/3). GAIT: B/L genu varum & recurvatum, hyperpronation, rear foot valgus& pes planus DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: Overuse Syndrome-Multiple Joints B/L Shoulder instability R trochanteric bursitis B/L Medial tibial stress syndrome B/L achilles tendonitis/bursitis R Iliotibial band syndrome R sartorius strain B/L Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Marfan's Syndrome Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome TEST AND RESULTS: Echo: Trace tricuspid regurgitation, (-) MVP, NL LV Function. No aortic aneurysm X-ray: B/L leg films- no stress fractures. Developmental Evaluation: Johns Hopkins University, Moore Clinic was positive for Ehlers-Danlos Type III (Benign Hypermobility.) FINAL/WORKING DIAGNOSIS: Ehlers-Danlos Type III presenting as an overuse syndrome of the lower extremities in a female cross-country runner. TREATMENT: JHU recommended non-weight bearing sports and exercise activities. The patient was started in formal P.T. on a dynamic stabilization program to emphasize muscle strengthening around her unstable joints. She received new orthotics after a detailed gait evaluation by a sports podiatrist and slowly returned to running. She returned to the cross country team near the end of the season but never realized her full potential. One year later she had given up running for roller-blading and body-shaping.

A hybrid approach to the compliance testing of training shoes

AbstractThere is, as yet, no totally rational method for testing training shoes. The situation is complicated by the coupling that exists between the physical characteristics of the shoes and the biomechanical response to them. This paper sets out to establish a basis for the physical aspects of testing, and shows how the biomechanical response may be integrated into a suitable model. The basic assessment of the compliance properties of training shoes was carried out by the measurement of load‐deflection curves. The analysis of these curves was based on the McMahon/Green two mass, two spring model of limb‐ground interaction, which defines the tangent modulus of the load‐deflection curve as the relevant quality parameter. For a selection of 30 shoe types, the load‐deflection curves were analysed to show how a systematic approach may be developed to understanding the variances in the shoe characteristics.It has also been shown how these findings may in part explain why running shoes which have apparently widely differing load‐deflection characteristics have been found to perform rather similarly insofar as the measured level of ground reaction is concerned.

Accuracy and reliability of temporal gait measurement

Abstract This study compared measurements of the temporal gait parameters obtained from videotape using a field counting technique with those obtained from footswitches and force plates. Five subjects traversed a walkway 3 times for each of the 3 conditions, barefoot, in outdoor shoes and in training shoes. Each of the 4 footswitches was connected to a Light Emitting Diode (LED) and these were placed in view of one video camera, a second camera was used to obtain a sagittal plane view of the subject crossing the force plates. The video system had a playback rate of 50 fields/s. The signals from the two cameras were mixed and recorded as a split screen image. The signal from a time code generator was later added to this tape providing information on time to 1/100 s. From the videorecording, 4 individual raters determined the times of heel contact and toe-off for both feet as they crossed the force plates. Inter-rater reliability of detection of the temporal phases of walking was investigated using IntraClass Correlation analysis (ICC) and description of percentage of agreement between raters. Footwear, particularly the training shoes, was found to attenuate the signals from the footswitches leading to differences typically of the order of 0.04 s between the durations of the temporal gait phases calculated from the forceplate data. The technique for visually detecting the time of the key events of make and break of foot/floor contact from videotape was found to be highly reliable with, for example, the barefoot condition demonstrating 95% rater agreement values to within 5% of the time of total support.

A Prospective Study of the Effect of the Appropriateness of Foot-Shoe Fit and Training Shoe Type on the Incidence of Overuse Injuries among Infantry Recruits

In a prospective study of the effect of the appropriateness of foot-shoe fit and training shoe type on the incidence of overuse injuries among infantry recruits, it was found that three shoe widths for each shoe length size were necessary to adequately accommodate the recruit population's foot anatomy. Recruits compensated for the lack of available shoe widths by choosing larger shoe sizes. However, this compensation did not result in an increase in the incidence of overuse injuries. Recruits who trained in basketball shoes had a lower incidence of overuse injuries of the feet than recruits who trained in infantry boots (p = 0.0001), but the overall incidence of overuse injuries was the same in both groups.

STRENGTH TRAINING MODALITIES: The new Safe strength training shoe

STRENGTH TRAINING MODALITIES: The new Safe strength training shoe

Plantar Fasciitis in Runners

Plantar fasciitis is a common overuse injury found in runners. The plantar fascia, which is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the longitudinal arch, becomes irritated, inflamed or torn by repetitive stresses placed upon it. Commonly cited predisposers of plantar fasciitis are excessive pronation, a flat or cavus foot, tight Achilles tendon, type of training shoes worn, and errors in the training routine. Once the plantar fascia becomes irritated a myriad of conservative measures may be used, including everything from rest, ice and elevation to steroid injections and, if all else fails, surgery. In most cases conservative treatment of one kind or another will alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. However, it is essential to determine and correct the cause of the problem in order for the runner to resume normal activity levels. Controlling anatomical/biomechanical inefficiencies of the feet, stretching and strengthening exercises for the lower extremity, proper training shoes, and reasonable training routines will alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis in a large percentage of sufferers. To prevent this injury, runners should be aware of the potential overuse injury and take precautionary measures, e.g. seek a biomechanical/anatomical evaluation from a qualified practitioner. The practitioner can then offer suggestions as to the specific steps the runner should follow to prevent the injury condition.

Exercise and the Back

Some of the positive benefits from participating in aerobic activity have already been addressed. However, an individual's ability to participate in many aerobic activities may be contingent on the ability to maintain a neutral or a stabilized spine. For example, the individual for whom jogging has been painful may be able to jog after he or she has learned trunk stabilization and is able to keep the spine in his or her pain-free position. Although Williams contended that jogging was an inappropriate activity for the individual with a low-back problem, contrary to this notion, White believes that jogging is more apt to protect a person from low-back pain than to cause it. Although no association was found between mileage run and osteoarthritis, jogging is not for all individuals who present with LBP or related arthritic conditions. Moreover, poor biomechanics in running can exacerbate existing low-back problems as well as bring about new ones as compensatory adaptations are made. For example, poor running technique might include excessive forward lean; this must be counterbalanced by contraction of the back extensors, which then may become overly tired or produce high intersegmental forces on the discs. We advocate an upright posture with minimal forward lean. The biomechanics of running also are most important from the perspective of shock absorption. Factors to consider in addition to running within the neutral spine excursion include cushioning footstrike by "giving" at the ankle, knee, and hip joints. In addition to good biomechanics, it would also be important to use an excellent quality training shoe and to run on a soft track as opposed to harder surfaces; hills should probably be avoided for most symptomatic individuals until they become strong. Nachemson indicates that in addition to recommending jogging for LBP, he most commonly recommends backstroke swimming, brisk walking, and stairclimbing. Bicycle riding (stationary or actual) would be another good activity; I personally endorse cross-country ski machines such as the NordicTrack (Chaska, Minnesota). The latter provides an excellent opportunity to develop aerobic conditioning without impact; moreover it incorporates the tenets of stabilization training because it is essential that the skier uses the abdominal muscles to brace and stabilize the trunk. Cross-country ski machines do, however, present certain coordination requirements to which not all individuals can adapt readily. In conclusion, although exercise is by no means a panacea, it very well may be nature's elixir that will enable some individuals beset by mechanical problems of the back to assume a more active and enjoyable life.

Effects of shoe type on cardiorespiratory responses and rearfoot motion during treadmill running.

Running kinematics and physiological responses to high intensity submaximal treadmill running in training shoes and racing flats were evaluated. Eight women (mean age = 21.9 yr) completed a peak VO2 test on the treadmill (mean peak VO2 = 49.2 ml.kg-1.min-1). In two subsequent testing sessions, subjects completed 15-min runs at a speed corresponding to 90% of peak VO2 (range = 9.9-13.4 km.hr-1) while wearing training shoes and racing flats (balanced order assignment). No significant time effect or time by shoe condition interaction was observed for the rearfoot motion variables. Maximum rearfoot angle and total rearfoot motion averaged 42% and 13.9% higher, respectively, for the racing flat (P less than 0.05). There were significant increases over time for VO2, VE, HR, and RPE, indicating an increase in cardiorespiratory response and the perception of effort over the course of the 15-min run. Thus, metabolic and perceptual indications of fatigue at the end of the run emerged but were not accompanied by rearfoot motion changes in either running shoe. These results indicate that rearfoot motion is a function of shoe design and did not change during 15 min of high intensity running.

Stress fractures of the sesamoid bones of the first metatarsophalangeal joint in athletes.

Over a period of 11 years 15 cases of stress fractures of the sesamoid bones of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint were treated in athletes. The mean age of the patients was 22.3 years, and there were 9 males and 6 females in the series. All patients were athletes, who began to suffer from the symptoms during training without any trauma. Eight fractures were located in the medial, six in the lateral sesamoid bone, and in one case both sesamoids were affected. The diagnosis was performed on the basis of the history, symptoms, clinical examination, and radiological, or isotope scanning findings. Ten of the patients were treated conservatively by prescribing an avoidance of excessive physical activity and better training shoes. In five cases surgical excision of the fragmented painful sesamoid bone was performed. There were no complications in the series and the athletes could start gradually training 6-8 weeks after the operation. The histology showed fibrotic non-union at the fracture site and supported the diagnosis of stress fracture. Three of the conservatively treated athletes had mild symptoms in intensive training, others had a good end result.

Wrestling Injuries in North Carolina High Schools.

In brief: Using data on 1,091 North Carolina high school wrestlers during 49 team-seasons, the authors attempted to relate the number, type, and severity of wrestling injuries to factors such as mat surfaces, endurance exercises, weight- reducing methods, protective equipment, and coaching experience. Most of the 248 injuries were minor, causing little time loss, but 57 (23%) were so severe that athletes missed an entire season. Possible contributory factors were inappropriate endurance training shoes, infrequent headgear use during practice, less than optimum wrestler-to-coach ratios, and potentially dangerous weight-reduction methods.

Investigation of a Training Shoe as a Supplemental Conditioning Device

Abstract Varsity college football players (N = 40) at Jackson State University were pretested on leg lift strength, 6 cable-tension leg strength measures, vertical jump, standing broad jump, 10-yd dash speed, and ankle and knee flexibility. The subjects were then randomly assigned to either the experimental on control group. Both groups participated in an 8-wk conditioning program consisting of weight training 3 day wk, and endurance and agility running drills 2 day wk. The experimental group wore a supplemental training device, the “LEGG” Shoe, during the off-season conditioning sessions and to and from daily classes. The control group subjects wore regular tennis shoes during the conditioning sessions and street shoes during daily activities. Following the 8-wk conditioning program posttest data were gathered on the 12 experimental and 10 control group subjects who met all conditioning and testing requirements. The data for each variable were anlyzed using ANCOVA technique. Significant differences at th...