How Foot Strike Changes Affect Runners
Author Information
Author(s): Maxime Chabot, Alexandre Thibault-Piedboeuf, Marie-Lyne Nault, Jean-Sébastien Roy, Philippe C. Dixon, Martin Simoneau
Primary Institution: Université Laval
Hypothesis
The vertical loading rate and shank acceleration peak variabilities across foot strikes would be higher when running with an unusual foot strike than when running with a usual foot strike.
Conclusion
Switching to an unusual rearfoot strike increased the vertical loading rate and shank acceleration peak variabilities, whereas switching to an unusual forefoot strike did not.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants ran with their usual foot strike for 10 minutes before switching to an imposed foot strike for 6 minutes.
- The vertical loading rate and shank acceleration peak variabilities were higher when running with an imposed rearfoot strike.
- No differences were found in the vertical loading rate and shank acceleration peak variabilities between the imposed forefoot strike and usual rearfoot strike conditions.
Takeaway
When runners change how they land on their feet, it can make their bodies work differently. Changing to a new way of landing can be tricky and might cause more bumps and jolts.
Methodology
Participants ran with their usual foot strike for 10 minutes and then with an imposed foot strike for 6 minutes on a treadmill while measuring loading rates and shank acceleration.
Potential Biases
Limited familiarization period before data collection may affect results.
Limitations
Participants ran on a treadmill at a constant speed without surface inclination, which may not reflect overground running.
Participant Demographics
27 recreational runners (16 men and 11 women; age range: 18–30 years).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.004
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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