Authors’ Reply to Dewolf et al.: “Is Motorized Treadmill Running Biomechanically Comparable to Overground Running? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cross-Over Studies”

Abstract

We would like to thank Dewolf et al. [1] for their interest in our review [2] and for providing additional insights into the effects of belt-speed fluctuations on treadmill running biomechanics. We believe that their commentary offers an interesting explanation for some of the biomechanical differences observed between treadmill and overground running. As also stated in our conclusion, we, therefore, agree with Dewolf et al.[1] that researchers, clinicians and athletes should assess belt-speed fluctuations and take their effects on running biomechanics into consideration. Compliance with Ethical StandardsConflict of interest Joel T. Fuller and Jonathan D. Buckley have been authors on some research projects that have evaluated the effects of different running shoes on running performance, biomechanics and physiology; those projects involved the use of running shoes that were donated by the shoe industry, either from running shoe retail stores or ASICS Oceania. Chris Bishop has received funding from both ASICS Oceania and Brittain Wynyard for professional services related to footwear. Guillaume Rao has received funding from Decathlon for professional services related to footwear to evaluate the effects of different running shoes on running performance, biomechanics and physiology. No companies played any role in the design, conduct or interpretation of the present research. The remaining authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Gait asymmetry in spatiotemporal and kinetic variables does not increase running-related injury risk in lower limbs: a secondary analysis of a randomised trial including 800+ recreational runners

“…First, the test was performed on an instrumented treadmill. Although there is some evidence that there are no clinically relevant differences in spatiotemporal and kinetic variables on treadmill compared with overground running, 31 future research should investigate if levels of asymmetry are comparable, as speed fluctuations are very limited on a treadmill. Second, asymmetry in kinematics was not investigated.…”