Compensatory adjustments in lower extremity kinematics in response to a reduced cushioning of the impact interface in heel–toe running |
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| Authors: | S J Dixon A C Collop M E Batt |
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| Institution: | (1) School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, St Luke’s Campus, Exeter, UK;(2) School of Civil Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, UK;(3) Centre for Sports Medicine, Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK |
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| Abstract: | The response of heel-toe runners to changes in cushioning of the impact interface was investigated. Ground reaction force
and sagittal plane kinematic data were collected for six heel-toe runners performing barefoot running trials on a conventional
asphalt surface and an asphalt surface with additional cushioning. Statistical analysis indicated that similar peak impact
force values were maintained when running on the two surfaces (p < 0.1). When running on the less cushioned surface, significant reductions were detected in ankle dorsi-flexion angle immediately
prior to ground impact and peak ankle plantar-flexion velocity immediately following impact (p > 0.1). In addition, individual subjects demonstrated reductions in heel velocity and increases in knee flexion immediately
prior to ground contact. The observed reduction in ankle dorsiflexion at impact, resulting in a flatter foot at ground contact,
supports previous suggestions that this is a strategy to reduce local plantar pressure loads. The additional use of adjustments
in heel velocity and initial knee flexion highlights the ability of some subjects to adopt compensatory measures to reduce
peak impact loading. However, some subjects appear unable to make these adjustments, resulting in higher impact loading on
the less cushioned surface for these subjects. This study provides experimental evidence to support the theoretical potential
of heel impact velocity and initial knee flexion to influence impact loading in running. |
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| Keywords: | impact shock-absorption surfaces barefoot |
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