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Mosqueira-Ouréns M, Muñoz-Pérez I, Luis Tuimil J, Saleta-Cobos M, Varela-Sanz A. Well-trained Endurance Runners' Foot Contact Patterns: Barefoot vs. Shod Condition. Int J Sports Med 2023; 44:1067-1074. [PMID: 37739011 DOI: 10.1055/a-2156-2553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the initial foot contact and contact time in experienced endurance runners at individualized speeds, in running shoes and barefoot. Forty-eight participants (33.71±7.49 y, 70.94±8.65 kg, 175.07±7.03 cm, maximum aerobic speed 18.41±1.54 km.h-1) were distributed into three groups according to athletic performance: highly-trained runners, middle-trained runners, and control group. An incremental running test until exhaustion was performed for assessing maximum aerobic speed. After≥24 h of recovery participants randomly walked and ran, barefoot and in running shoes, over a pressure plate at ~4.7 km.h-1 and 85% of the maximum aerobic speed, respectively. They wore the same model of running shoes with homogeneous lacing pattern. A rearfoot strike was performed by 68.8% and 77.1% of participants when running barefoot and in running shoes, respectively. Considering the tendency to develop a rearfoot strike was lower in the barefoot condition, runners with higher performance may benefit from training in minimalist running shoes because their foot contact pattern could tend towards a non-rearfoot strike. Our results suggest that initial foot contact and contact time are related to running performance and may also be influenced by running shoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Mosqueira-Ouréns
- Faculty of Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Occupational Therapy, San Antonio Catholic University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Iker Muñoz-Pérez
- Faculty of Education and Sport Sciences, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain
| | - José Luis Tuimil
- Performance and Health Group, Physical and Sports Education Department, Faculty of Sports Sciences and Physical Education, University of A Coruna, A Coruna, Spain
| | | | - Adrian Varela-Sanz
- Performance and Health Group, Physical and Sports Education Department, Faculty of Sports Sciences and Physical Education, University of A Coruna, A Coruna, Spain
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Weart AN, Miller EM, Brindle RA, Ford KR, Goss DL. Wearable technology assessing running biomechanics and prospective running-related injuries in Active Duty Soldiers. Sports Biomech 2023:1-17. [PMID: 37144627 DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2023.2208568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine if running biomechanical variables measured by wearable technology were prospectively associated with running injuries in Active Duty Soldiers. A total of 171 Soldiers wore a shoe pod that collected data on running foot strike pattern, step rate, step length and contact time for 6 weeks. Running-related injuries were determined by medical record review 12 months post-study enrollment. Differences in running biomechanics between injured and non-injured runners were compared using independent t-tests or ANCOVA for continuous variables and chi-square analyses for the association of categorical variables. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to estimate the time to a running-related injury. Risk factors were carried forward to estimate hazard ratios using Cox proportional hazard regression models. Forty-one participants (24%) sustained a running-related injury. Injured participants had a lower step rate than non-injured participants, but step rate did not have a significant effect on time to injury. Participants with the longest contact time were at a 2.25 times greater risk for a running-related injury; they were also relatively slower, heavier, and older. Concomitant with known demographic risk factors for injury, contact time may be an additional indicator of a running-related injury risk in Active Duty Soldiers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy N Weart
- Department of Physical Therapy, Keller Army Community Hospital, West Point, NY, USA
| | - Erin M Miller
- Department of Physical Therapy, Keller Army Community Hospital, West Point, NY, USA
- Keller Army Community Hospital Division 1 Sports Physical Therapy Fellowship, Keller Army Community Hospital, Baylor University, West Point, NY, USA
| | | | - Kevin R Ford
- Congdon School of Health Sciences, High Point University, High Point, NC, USA
| | - Donald L Goss
- Department of Physical Therapy, High Point University, High Point, NC, USA
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3
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Plesek J, Hamill J, Freedman Silvernail J, Skypala J, Jandacka D. Age differences in running biomechanics during footstrike between preschool children and adults. J Sports Sci 2023; 40:2401-2411. [PMID: 36588173 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2022.2162237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to compare impact loading between two age groups of preschool children (3-4 and 5-6 years old) and one group of young adults representing mature level of running skill (n = 15 per group). Three-dimensional biomechanical data were collected during running barefoot, in minimalist and running shoes. A two-way mixed ANOVA was performed to assess age and footwear differences in vertical instantaneous loading rate (VILR). An interaction was found in VILR. Older (5-6) preschoolers had 30-31% lower VILR than younger (3-4) (p = 0.012, d = 1.02; p = 0.001, d = 1.18) and adults had 51-77% lower VILR than younger preschoolers (p = 0.001, d = 1.85; p = 0.001, d = 2.82) in minimalist and running shoes, respectively. Additionally, adults had lower VILR than older preschoolers in running shoes (p = 0.001, d = 2.68). No differences were found between older children and adults in barefoot and minimalist shoes. Loading decreased with increasing age, particularly in minimalist and running shoes. Unchanged cadence and running speed did not explain the decrease of VILR during preschool age. The explanation likely underlies in lower limb alignment during footstrike and developmental ontogenetic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Plesek
- Department of Human Movement Studies, Human Motion Diagnostic Centre, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Joseph Hamill
- Department of Human Movement Studies, Human Motion Diagnostic Centre, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic.,Department of Kinesiology, Biomechanics and Motor Control Laboratories, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Julia Freedman Silvernail
- Department of Human Movement Studies, Human Motion Diagnostic Centre, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic.,Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Jiri Skypala
- Department of Human Movement Studies, Human Motion Diagnostic Centre, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Jandacka
- Department of Human Movement Studies, Human Motion Diagnostic Centre, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
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Zeng Z, Liu Y, Li P, Wang L. Validity and reliability of inertial measurement units measurements for running kinematics in different foot strike pattern runners. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1005496. [PMID: 36582839 PMCID: PMC9793257 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1005496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the three-dimensional joint kinematic outcomes obtained by the inertial measurement units (IMUs) for runners with rearfoot strike pattern (RFS) and non-rearfoot strike pattern (NRFS). The IMUs system and optical motion capture system were used to simultaneous collect 3D kinematic of lower extremity joint data from participants running at 12 km/h. The joint angle waveforms showed a high correlation between the two systems after the offset correction in the sagittal plane (NRFS: coefficient of multiple correlation (CMC) = 0.924-0.968, root mean square error (RMSE) = 4.6°-13.7°; RFS: CMC = 0.930-0.965, RMSE = 3.1°-7.7°), but revealed high variability in the frontal and transverse planes (NRFS: CMC = 0.924-0.968, RMSE = 4.6°-13.7°; RFS: CMC = 0.930-0.965, RMSE = 3.1°-7.7°). The between-rater and between-day reliability were shown to be very good to excellent in the sagittal plane (between-rater: NRFS: CMC = 0.967-0.975, RMSE = 1.9°-2.9°, RFS: CMC = 0.922-0.989, RMSE = 1.0°-2.5°; between-day: NRFS: CMC = 0.950-0.978, RMSE = 1.6°-2.7°, RFS: CMC = 0.920-0.989, RMSE = 1.7°-2.2°), whereas the reliability was weak to very good (between-rater: NRFS: CMC = 0.480-0.947, RMSE = 1.1°-2.7°, RFS: CMC = 0.646-0.873, RMSE = 0.7°-2.4°; between-day: NRFS: CMC = 0.666-0.867, RMSE = 0.7°-2.8°, RFS: CMC = 0.321-0.805, RMSE = 0.9°-5.0°) in the frontal and transverse planes across all joints in both types of runners. The IMUs system was a feasible tool for measuring lower extremity joint kinematics in the sagittal plane during running, especially for RFS runners. However, the joint kinematics data in frontal and transverse planes derived by the IMUs system need to be used with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwei Zeng
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Liu
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Pan Li
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences (Shanghai University of Sport), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Lin Wang,
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Tan T, Strout ZA, Cheung RT, Shull PB. Strike index estimation using a convolutional neural network with a single, shoe-mounted inertial sensor. J Biomech 2022; 139:111145. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2022.111145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Yu P, He Y, Gu Y, Liu Y, Xuan R, Fernandez J. Acute Effects of Heel-to-Toe Drop and Speed on Running Biomechanics and Strike Pattern in Male Recreational Runners: Application of Statistical Nonparametric Mapping in Lower Limb Biomechanics. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 9:821530. [PMID: 35155415 PMCID: PMC8833076 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.821530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
With the increased popularity of running, many studies have been conducted into footwears that are highly related to running performance and running-related injuries. Previous studies investigated different shoe types and running shoes with different heel-to-toe drops (HTDs). However, no research was found in investigating shoes with negative values with HTD. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the acute effect of HTD and running speed on lower limb biomechanics and strike pattern in recreational runners. Thirteen male recreational runners wearing shoes with two different HTDs (−8 and 8 mm) performed running at three different speeds (preferred speed [PS], 90% of PS, 110% of PS). Lower extremity kinematics and ground reaction forces were synchronously captured via Vicon motion analysis system and AMTI force platform. Strike index (SI), vertical average loading rate (VALR), vertical instantaneous loading rate (VILR), excursion, eversion duration, joint angles, and range of motion (ROM) of metatarsophalangeal (MTP), ankle, knee, and hip joints were calculated. Joint angles during the entire stance phase were analyzed applying the statistical nonparametric mapping (SnPM) method. SI and VILR in shoes with −8 mm HTD significantly increased by 18.99% and 31.836 BW/s compared to those with 8 mm HTD (SI: p = 0.002; VILR: p < 0.001). Significant alterations of ROM occurred in the MTP, ankle, and knee joints (p < 0.05), and HTD factor primarily accounted for these changes. Joint angles (MTP, knee, and hip) during the entire stance phase altered due to HTD and speed factors. Running speed primarily influenced the kinematics parameters of knee and hip joints, increasing knee angles in the frontal plane and hip angle in the horizontal plane at PS (p > 0.05). Compared to shoes with 8 mm HTD, shoes with −8 mm HTD may be useful to storage and return energy because of the increased ROM of MTP in the sagittal plane. Besides, forefoot strike gait retraining was recommended before transition from normal running shoes to running shoes with −8 mm HTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peimin Yu
- Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Research Academy of Grand Health, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yuhuan He
- Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yaodong Gu
- Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Research Academy of Grand Health, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- *Correspondence: Yaodong Gu, ; Rongrong Xuan,
| | - Yuwei Liu
- Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Research Academy of Grand Health, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rongrong Xuan
- Obsterical Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- *Correspondence: Yaodong Gu, ; Rongrong Xuan,
| | - Justin Fernandez
- Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Research Academy of Grand Health, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Engineering Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Ekizos A, Santuz A, Arampatzis A. Runners Employ Different Strategies to Cope With Increased Speeds Based on Their Initial Strike Patterns. Front Physiol 2021; 12:686259. [PMID: 34795597 PMCID: PMC8593104 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.686259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper we examined how runners with different initial foot strike pattern (FSP) develop their pattern over increasing speeds. The foot strike index (FSI) of 47 runners [66% initially rearfoot strikers (RFS)] was measured in six speeds (2.5–5.0 ms−1), with the hypotheses that the FSI would increase (i.e., move toward the fore of the foot) in RFS strikers, but remain similar in mid- or forefoot strikers (MFS) runners. The majority of runners (77%) maintained their original FSP by increasing speed. However, we detected a significant (16.8%) decrease in the FSI in the MFS group as a function of running speed, showing changes in the running strategy, despite the absence of a shift from one FSP to another. Further, while both groups showed a decrease in contact times, we found a group by speed interaction (p < 0.001) and specifically that this decrease was lower in the MFS group with increasing running speeds. This could have implications in the metabolic energy consumption for MFS-runners, typically measured at low speeds for the assessment of running economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonis Ekizos
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin School of Movement Science, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Olympic Training Center, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alessandro Santuz
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin School of Movement Science, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Adamantios Arampatzis
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin School of Movement Science, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Davis S, Fox A, Bonacci J, Davis F. Mechanics, energetics and implementation of grounded running technique: a narrative review. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2021; 6:e000963. [PMID: 34422290 PMCID: PMC8323463 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2020-000963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Grounded running predominantly differs from traditional aerial running by having alternating single and double stance with no flight phase. Approximately, 16% of runners in an open marathon and 33% of recreational runners in a 5 km running event adopted a grounded running technique. Grounded running typically occurs at a speed range of 2–3 m·s−1, is characterised by a larger duty factor, reduced vertical leg stiffness, lower vertical oscillation of the centre of mass (COM) and greater impact attenuation than aerial running. Grounded running typically induces an acute increase in metabolic cost, likely due to the larger duty factor. The increased duty factor may translate to a more stable locomotion. The reduced vertical oscillation of COM, attenuated impact shock, and potential for improved postural stability may make grounded running a preferred form of physical exercise in people new to running or with low loading capacities (eg, novice overweight/obese, elderly runners, rehabilitating athletes). Grounded running as a less impactful, but metabolically more challenging form, could benefit these runners to optimise their cardio-metabolic health, while at the same time minimise running-related injury risk. This review discusses the mechanical demands and energetics of grounded running along with recommendations and suggestions to implement this technique in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheeba Davis
- Biomedical Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Aaron Fox
- Centre for Sport Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Australia
| | - Jason Bonacci
- Centre for Sport Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Australia
| | - Fiddy Davis
- Centre for Sports Science, Medicine and Research, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
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Au I, Ng L, Davey P, So M, Chan B, Li P, Wong W, Althorpe T, Stearne S, Cheung R. Comparison of foot strike sound between rearfoot, midfoot and forefoot strike runners. J Athl Train 2021; 56:1362-1366. [PMID: 34129668 DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-0708.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT There are three common foot strike techniques in runners. Whether these techniques generate different sounds at the point of impact with the ground may influence lower limb kinetics. No previous studies have determined whether such relationships exist. OBJECTIVES To determine foot-ground impact sound characteristics and to compare the impact sound characteristics across foot strike techniques and the relationships between impact sound characteristics and vertical loading rates. DESIGN Cross-sectional study Setting: Gait analysis laboratory Patients or Other Participants: Thirty runners (50% female, age=23.5±4.0 yrs, mass=58.1±8.2kg, height=1.67±0.1m) completed overground running trials with rearfoot strike (RFS), midfoot strike (MFS) and forefoot strike (FFS) techniques in a gait analysis laboratory. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Impact sound was measured by a shotgun microphone and the peak sound amplitude, median frequency and sound duration were analysed. Separate linear regression, clustering participants repeated measures were used to compare the sound parameters across foot strike techniques. Kinetic data was collected from a force plate and the vertical loading rates were calculated. Pearson's correlation was used to determine relationship between sound characteristic and kinetics. RESULTS Landing with a MFS or FFS resulted in greater peak sound amplitude (ps<0.001) and shorter sound duration (ps<0.001) than RFS. MFS exhibited the highest median frequency among the three foot strike patterns, followed by FFS (ps<0.001). We did not find a significant relationship between vertical loading rates and any impact sound parameters (ps>0.115). CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that impact sound characteristics may be used to differentiate foot strike patterns in runners. However, this did not relate to lower limb kinetics. Therefore, clinicians should not solely rely on impact sound to infer impact loading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Au
- Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Leo Ng
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Paul Davey
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Marco So
- Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Brian Chan
- Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Pinky Li
- Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Will Wong
- Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Tania Althorpe
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.,West Coast Physiotherapy, City Beach, WA, Australia
| | - Sarah Stearne
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Roy Cheung
- Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong.,School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Hébert-Losier K, Patoz A, Gindre C, Lussiana T. Footstrike pattern at the 10 km and 39 km points of the Singapore marathon in recreational runners. FOOTWEAR SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/19424280.2020.1803993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kim Hébert-Losier
- Division of Health, Engineering, Computing and Science, Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, Adams Centre for High Performance, University of Waikato, Tauranga, New Zealand
- Department of Sports Science, National Sports Institute of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Aurélien Patoz
- Research and Development Department, Volodalen Swiss SportLab, Aigle, Switzerland
| | - Cyrille Gindre
- Research and Development Department, Volodalen Swiss SportLab, Aigle, Switzerland
| | - Thibault Lussiana
- Research and Development Department, Volodalen Swiss SportLab, Chavéria, France
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Chan PPK, Chan ZYS, Au IPH, Lam BMF, Lam WK, Cheung RTH. Biomechanical effects following footstrike pattern modification using wearable sensors. J Sci Med Sport 2020; 24:30-35. [PMID: 32553447 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2020.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study sought to examine the biomechanical effects of an in-field sensor-based gait retraining program targeting footstrike pattern modification during level running, uphill running and downhill running. DESIGN Quasi-experimental design. METHODS Sixteen habitual rearfoot strikers were recruited. All participants underwent a baseline evaluation on an instrumented treadmill at their preferred running speeds on three slope settings. Participants were then instructed to modify their footstrike pattern from rearfoot to non-rearfoot strike with real-time audio biofeedback in an 8-session in-field gait retraining program. A reassessment was conducted to evaluate the post-training biomechanical effects. Footstrike pattern, footstrike angle, vertical instantaneous loading rate (VILR), stride length, cadence, and knee flexion angle at initial contact were measured and compared. RESULTS No significant interaction was found between training and slope conditions for all tested variables. Significant main effects were observed for gait retraining (p-values≤0.02) and slopes (p-values≤0.01). After gait retraining, 75% of the participants modified their footstrike pattern during level running, but effects of footstrike pattern modification were inconsistent between slopes. During level running, participants exhibited a smaller footstrike angle (p≤0.01), reduced VILR (p≤0.01) and a larger knee flexion angle (p=0.01). Similar effects were found during uphill running, together with a shorter stride length (p=0.01) and an increased cadence (p≤0.01). However, during downhill running, no significant change in VILR was found (p=0.16), despite differences found in other biomechanical measurements (p-values=0.02-0.05). CONCLUSION An 8-session in-field gait retraining program was effective in modifying footstrike pattern among runners, but discrepancies in VILR, stride length and cadence were found between slope conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter P K Chan
- Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong.
| | - Zoe Y S Chan
- Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong; Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Ivan P H Au
- Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Ben M F Lam
- Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - W K Lam
- Department of Kinesiology, Shenyang Sport University, China; Li Ning Sports Science Research Center, China
| | - Roy T H Cheung
- Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong; School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Australia
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12
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Wei RXY, Chan ZYS, Zhang JHW, Shum GL, Chen CY, Cheung RTH. Difference in the running biomechanics between preschoolers and adults. Braz J Phys Ther 2020; 25:162-167. [PMID: 32507484 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjpt.2020.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High vertical loading rate is associated with a variety of running-related musculoskeletal injuries. There is evidence supporting that non-rearfoot footstrike pattern, greater cadence, and shorter stride length may reduce the vertical loading rate. These features appear to be common among preschoolers, who seem to experience lower running injury incidence, leading to a debate whether adults should accordingly modify their running form. OBJECTIVE This study sought to compare the running biomechanics between preschoolers and adults. METHODS Ten preschoolers (4.2±1.6 years) and ten adults (35.1±9.5 years) were recruited and ran overground with their usual shoes at a self-selected speed. Vertical average (VALR) and vertical instantaneous loading rate (VILR) were calculated based on the kinetic data. Footstrike pattern and spatiotemporal parameters were collected using a motion capture system. RESULTS There was no difference in normalized VALR (p=0.48), VILR (p=0.48), running speed (p=0.85), and footstrike pattern (p=0.29) between the two groups. Preschoolers demonstrated greater cadence (p<0.001) and shorter normalized stride length (p=0.01). CONCLUSION By comparing the kinetic and kinematic parameters between children and adults, our findings do not support the notion that adults should modify their running biomechanics according to the running characteristics in preschoolers for a lower injury risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel X Y Wei
- Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zoe Y S Chan
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Janet H W Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gary L Shum
- School of Sport, Health and Wellbeing, Plymouth Marjon University, Derriford, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Chao-Ying Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Roy T H Cheung
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Australia
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Bovalino SP, Cunningham NJ, Zordan RD, Harkin SM, Thies HHG, Graham CJ, Kingsley MIC. Change in foot strike patterns and performance in recreational runners during a road race: A cross-sectional study. J Sci Med Sport 2020; 23:621-624. [PMID: 32008910 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2019.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To characterise foot strike and observe change in foot strike patterns with increasing distance during a 15km recreational running road race. To assess the impact of foot strike on running performance. DESIGN Observational cross-sectional study. METHODS Foot strike patterns were determined at the 3km and 13km checkpoints for 459 participants during the 2017 Melbourne City to Sea recreational running event. Foot strike patterns were categorised as either rearfoot strike (RFS) or non-rearfoot strike (NRFS) at both checkpoints and analyses were conducted on intra-individual change in foot strike as well as relationship to finishing time. RESULTS The most prevalent foot strike pattern at 3km and 13km was RFS with 76.9% (95% CI: 73.2%-80.5%) and 91.0% (95% CI: 88.7%-93.1%) using this pattern, respectively. Of the 105 participants who ran with a NRFS at 3km, 61% changed to RFS at 13km. Race completion time differed by foot strike pattern, where mean time for consistent NRFS (62.64±11.20min) was significantly faster than consistent RFS (72.58±10.84min; p<0.001) and those who changed from NRFS to RFS between checkpoints (67.93±10.60min; p=0.040). CONCLUSIONS While the majority of recreational distance runners RFS within race settings, the fastest runners were those who consistently ran with a NRFS. In runners that use a NRFS early, a large proportion change to RFS as distance increases. Further research is warranted to determine whether interventions aimed at reducing muscular fatigue can attenuate this change and enhance running performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen P Bovalino
- Exercise Physiology, La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Australia
| | | | - Rachel D Zordan
- Education and Learning, St Vincent's Hospital, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Michael I C Kingsley
- Exercise Physiology, La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Australia.
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Murray L, Beaven CM, Hébert-Losier K. The effects of running a 12-km race on neuromuscular performance measures in recreationally competitive runners. Gait Posture 2019; 70:341-346. [PMID: 30952107 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2019.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of individuals participating in organised races is increasing, with few studies undertaken in ecologically-valid settings. Running involves cyclical movements and activation of lower-extremity muscles, with fatigue and foot-strike pattern proposed as factors contributing to running-related injuries. RESEARCH QUESTION Our aim was to investigate the effects of running a 12-km race on plantar pressure distribution, postural balance, foot-strike pattern, and plantar-flexion strength. A secondary aim was to compare actual versus anticipated race finishing times and foot-strike patterns. METHODS Twenty-four recreationally competitive runners (15 males, 9 females) completed the following tests immediately before and after a 12-km race: (1) plantar pressure distribution in self-selected bilateral stance; (2) 30-seconds eyes-closed feet-together postural balance; (3) running foot-strike angle; and (4) peak plantar-flexion isometric force. In-race foot-strike angle and patterns were also assessed at 3 and 10 km. RESULTS Post-race left and right foot plantar pressure distribution, postural balance, and plantar-flexion force measures significantly differed from pre-race measures. These changes were associated with small to large standardised effects (absolute ES: 0.42 to 0.94). On average, the relative pressure under the left foot decreased by 3.2 ± 5.0%; the centre of pressure path length and area of the 95th percentile ellipse from the balance test increased by 5.7 ± 8.9 cm and 18.2 ± 21.3 cm2; and peak plantar-flexion isometric force decreased by 0.23 ± 0.28 times body weight. Participants predicted their finishing times relatively well, but not their foot-strike patterns. No meaningful change in foot-strike angle or pattern was observed pre- to post-race, or between 3 and 10 km. SIGNIFICANCE Running a 12-km race influenced neuromuscular measures, confirming racing-induced fatigue in our recreationally competitive runners. However, these alterations did not lead to observable changes in foot-strike pattern, indicating that this measure might not be appropriate for quantifying fatigue in recreationally competitive runners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauralee Murray
- University of Waikato, Faculty of Health, Sport and Human Performance, Adams Centre for High Performance, 52 Miro Street, Mount Maunganui, 3116, Tauranga, New Zealand.
| | - Christopher Martyn Beaven
- University of Waikato, Faculty of Health, Sport and Human Performance, Adams Centre for High Performance, 52 Miro Street, Mount Maunganui, 3116, Tauranga, New Zealand.
| | - Kim Hébert-Losier
- University of Waikato, Faculty of Health, Sport and Human Performance, Adams Centre for High Performance, 52 Miro Street, Mount Maunganui, 3116, Tauranga, New Zealand.
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Cheung RTH, Zhang JH, Chan ZYS, An WW, Au IPH, MacPhail A, Davis IS. Shoe-mounted accelerometers should be used with caution in gait retraining. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2019; 29:835-842. [PMID: 30693580 DOI: 10.1111/sms.13396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Real-time biofeedback gait retraining has been reported to be an effective intervention to lower the impact loading during gait. While many of the previous gait retraining studies have utilized a laboratory-based setup, some studies used accelerometers affixed at the distal tibia to allow training outside the laboratory environment. However, many commercial sensors for gait modification are shoe-mounted. Hence, this study sought to compare impact loading parameters measured by shoe-mounted and tibia sensors in participants before and after a course of walking or running retraining using signal source from the shoe-mounted sensors. We also compared the correlations between peak positive acceleration measured at shoe (PPAS ) and tibia (PPAT ) and vertical loading rates, as these loading rates have been related to injury. Twenty-four and 14 participants underwent a 2-week visual biofeedback walking and running retraining, respectively. Participants in the walking retraining group experienced lower PPAS following the intervention (P < 0.005). However, they demonstrated no change in PPAT (P = 0.409) nor vertical loading rates (P > 0.098) following the walking retraining. In contrast, participants in the running retraining group experienced a reduction in the PPAT (P = 0.001) and vertical loading rates (P < 0.013) after running retraining. PPAS values were four times that of PPAT for both walking and running suggesting an uncoupling of the shoe with tibia. As such, PPAS was not correlated with vertical loading rates for either walking or running, while significant correlations between PPAT and vertical loading rates were noted. The present study suggests potential limitations of the existing commercial shoe-mounted sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy T H Cheung
- Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
| | - Janet H Zhang
- Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
| | - Zoe Y S Chan
- Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
| | - Winko W An
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ivan P H Au
- Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
| | - Aislinn MacPhail
- Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
| | - Irene S Davis
- Spaulding National Running Center, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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Reliability of Overground Running Measures from 2D Video Analyses in a Field Environment. Sports (Basel) 2018; 7:sports7010008. [PMID: 30598031 PMCID: PMC6359244 DOI: 10.3390/sports7010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Two-dimensional running analyses are common in research and practice, and have been shown to be reliable when conducted on a treadmill. However, running is typically performed outdoors. Our aim was to determine the intra- and inter-rater reliability of two-dimensional analyses of overground running in an outdoor environment. Two raters independently evaluated 155 high-speed videos (240 Hz) of overground running from recreationally competitive runners on two occasions, seven days apart (test-retest study design). The reliability of foot-strike pattern (rear-foot, mid-foot, and fore-foot), foot-strike angle (°), and running speed (m/s) was assessed using weighted kappa (κ), percentage agreement, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), typical error (TE), and coefficient of variation (CV) statistics. Foot-strike pattern (agreement = 99.4%, κ = 0.96) and running speed (ICC = 0.98, TE = 0.09 m/s, CV = 2.1%) demonstrated excellent relative and absolute reliability. Foot-strike angle exhibited high relative reliability (ICC = 0.88), but suboptimal absolute reliability (TE = 2.5°, CV = 17.6%). Two-dimensional analyses of overground running outdoors were reliable for quantifying foot-strike pattern, foot-strike angle, and running speed, although foot-strike angle errors of 2.5° were typical. Foot-strike angle changes of less than 2.5° should be interpreted with caution in clinical settings, as they might simply reflect measurement errors.
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Differences in sprinting performance and kinematics between preadolescent boys who are fore/mid and rear foot strikers. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205906. [PMID: 30335813 PMCID: PMC6193701 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to clarify whether foot strike patterns are associated with different sprint performance and kinematics in preadolescent boys. The study enrolled 24 healthy 10–11-year-old boys in the fifth grade at public elementary schools in Japan. The participants performed the 50-m sprint with maximum effort. Sprint motion was recorded using a high-speed video camera (120 fps) placed in the sagittal plane on the left side of a line drawn at 35-m from the start line. Kinematic variables were calculated based on manually digitized body landmark coordinates. The participants were categorized into two groups according to their foot strike pattern (rearfoot strikers, RF group, n = 12; forefoot or midfoot strikers, FF/MF group, n = 12). The time taken to complete the 50-m sprint in the FF/MF group (9.08±0.52 s) was faster than that in the RF group (9.63±0.51 s). The FF/MF group had greater sprint speed, higher step frequency, and shorter foot contact time than the RF group. Regarding the association between foot strike pattern and sprint kinematics, we found that the RF group had a greater range of knee flexion during the support-leg phase, whereas the FF/MF group had shorter horizontal distance from the heel of the support leg to the centre of mass at the touchdown, greater maximal knee flexion velocity during the swing-leg phase, and higher the maximum hip extension velocity during the support-leg phase. The current results suggested that, in preadolescent boys, forefoot or midfoot strike (rather than rearfoot strike) is effective for obtaining a higher step frequency and sprint speed through greater magnitude of knee flexion and hip extension movement velocities during the swing and support phases, respectively. The current findings will be useful for understanding the characteristics of the development of sprinting performance in preadolescent children.
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Cheung RTH, An WW, Au IPH, Zhang JH, Chan ZYS, Man A, Lau FOY, Lam MKY, Lau KK, Leung CY, Tsang NW, Sze LKY, Lam GWK. Measurement agreement between a newly developed sensing insole and traditional laboratory-based method for footstrike pattern detection in runners. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175724. [PMID: 28599003 PMCID: PMC5466274 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
This study introduced a novel but simple method to continuously measure footstrike patterns in runners using inexpensive force sensors. Two force sensing resistors were firmly affixed at the heel and second toe of both insoles to collect the time signal of foot contact. A total of 109 healthy young adults (42 males and 67 females) were recruited in this study. They ran on an instrumented treadmill at 0°, +10°, and -10° inclinations and attempted rearfoot, midfoot, and forefoot landings using real time visual biofeedback. Intra-step strike index and onset time difference between two force sensors were measured and analyzed with univariate linear regression. We analyzed 25,655 footfalls and found that onset time difference between two sensors explained 80–84% of variation in the prediction model of strike index (R-squared = 0.799–0.836, p<0.001). However, the time windows to detect footstrike patterns on different surface inclinations were not consistent. These findings may allow laboratory-based gait retraining to be implemented in natural running environments to aid in both injury prevention and performance enhancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy T. H. Cheung
- Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Winko W. An
- Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ivan P. H. Au
- Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Janet H. Zhang
- Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zoe Y. S. Chan
- Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alfred Man
- Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Fannie O. Y. Lau
- Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Melody K. Y. Lam
- Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - K. K. Lau
- Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - C. Y. Leung
- Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - N. W. Tsang
- Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
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Fukuchi RK, Fukuchi CA, Duarte M. A public dataset of running biomechanics and the effects of running speed on lower extremity kinematics and kinetics. PeerJ 2017; 5:e3298. [PMID: 28503379 PMCID: PMC5426356 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The goals of this study were (1) to present the set of data evaluating running biomechanics (kinematics and kinetics), including data on running habits, demographics, and levels of muscle strength and flexibility made available at Figshare (DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.4543435); and (2) to examine the effect of running speed on selected gait-biomechanics variables related to both running injuries and running economy. METHODS The lower-extremity kinematics and kinetics data of 28 regular runners were collected using a three-dimensional (3D) motion-capture system and an instrumented treadmill while the subjects ran at 2.5 m/s, 3.5 m/s, and 4.5 m/s wearing standard neutral shoes. RESULTS A dataset comprising raw and processed kinematics and kinetics signals pertaining to this experiment is available in various file formats. In addition, a file of metadata, including demographics, running characteristics, foot-strike patterns, and muscle strength and flexibility measurements is provided. Overall, there was an effect of running speed on most of the gait-biomechanics variables selected for this study. However, the foot-strike patterns were not affected by running speed. DISCUSSION Several applications of this dataset can be anticipated, including testing new methods of data reduction and variable selection; for educational purposes; and answering specific research questions. This last application was exemplified in the study's second objective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reginaldo K Fukuchi
- Biomedical Engineering Program, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Claudiane A Fukuchi
- Neuroscience and Cognition Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos Duarte
- Biomedical Engineering Program, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Neuroscience and Cognition Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Azevedo APDS, Mezêncio B, Amadio AC, Serrão JC. 16 Weeks of Progressive Barefoot Running Training Changes Impact Force and Muscle Activation in Habitual Shod Runners. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167234. [PMID: 27907069 PMCID: PMC5132300 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Short-term effects of barefoot and simulated barefoot running have been widely discussed in recent years. Consequences of adopting barefoot running for a long period, including as a training approach, still remain unknown. The present study evaluated the influence of 16 weeks of progressive barefoot running training on impact force and muscle activation in habitual shod runners. Six habitual shod runners (3 men and 3 women, 29.5 ± 7.3 years) were tested barefoot (BF) and shod (SH), before and after 16 weeks of progressive barefoot running training. Tests consisted of running on instrumented treadmill at 9 km/h, for 10 minutes in each experimental condition. Nine data acquisitions (10 s) of vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) and electromyographic (EMG) signal were conducted in each experimental condition for each test. BF training was effective to alter VGRF and EMG parameters of running in habitual shod runners, regardless of footwear condition (SH or BF). The magnitude of first peak of VGRF (Fy1) and the impulse of the first 50 ms decreased after training for BF and SH (p<0.01). The activation reduced from PRE to POST training for four muscles in BF running (p<0.001), whereas only muscle gastrocnemius lateralis decreased significantly its activation (p<0.01) in SH running. A 16-week progressive barefoot running training seems to be an effective training strategy to reduce impact force, improve shock attenuation and to decrease muscle activation intensity, not only in BF running, but also in SH running, although BF condition seems to be more influenced by BF training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula da Silva Azevedo
- Laboratory of Biomechanics, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Bruno Mezêncio
- Laboratory of Biomechanics, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alberto Carlos Amadio
- Laboratory of Biomechanics, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Julio Cerca Serrão
- Laboratory of Biomechanics, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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