Effects of Shoe Midsole Hardness on Lower Extremity Biomechanics during Jump Rope in Healthy Males

Abstract

This study investigated differences in lower extremity muscle activations and vertical stiffness during a 2.2 Hz jump rope exercise with different midsole hardnesses (45, 50, 55, and 60 Shores C). Twelve healthy male participants wore customized shoes with different hardness midsoles and performed jump rope exercises in a random order. A nine-camera motion analysis system (150 Hz), a force platform (1500 Hz), and a wireless electromyography (EMG) system (Noraxon, 1500 Hz) were used to measure the biomechanical parameters during the jump rope exercise. The biceps femoris %MVC of barefoot participants was significantly greater than that of those wearing the 45 Shores C (p = 0.048) and 55 Shores C (p = 0.009) midsole 100 ms before landing. The vastus medialis %MVC of barefoot participants was significantly greater than that of those wearing the 55 C midsole (p = 0.005). Nonsignificant differences in vertical stiffness were found between midsole hardnesses and barefoot. Lower extremity muscle activation differed between conditions. The results of this study indicate that for repetitive activities that entail multiple impacts, sports shoes with a low midsole hardness (e.g., 50 Shores C or 45 Shores C) may be appropriate. It is important to provide customers with information regarding midsole hardness in shoe product labeling so that they properly consider the function of the shoes.

Comprehensive Assessment of Heavy Slow Resistance Training and High-Dose Therapeutic Ultrasound in Managing Patellar Tendinopathy

“…Although fewer studies have investigated the effect of training on muscle activation levels in PT patients, we hypothesized that 8 weeks of high-load strength resistance (HSR) training would modulate the activation levels of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO), vastus lateralis oblique (VLO), and biceps femoris (BF) during eccentric squatting on an inclined platform in PT patients. A wireless surface electrode (Noraxon, USA) was used to record the muscle activations of the VMO,VLO,BF at a 1500 Hz sampling rate (43), to analyze the change in muscle activation during single-leg squats on a 25° inclined platform in subjects before and after the intervention. Prior to the start of the movement, all subjects were asked to perform a warm-up preparation activity on a stationary power bike for approximately 10 minutes.…”

Effects of Barefoot and Shod Conditions on the Kinematics and Kinetics of the Lower Extremities in Alternating Jump Rope Skipping—A One-Dimensional Statistical Parameter Mapping Study

“…Biomechanists have been studying ways to optimize sports equipment to improve athletic outcomes. This has led to a growing interest in understanding the biomechanics of jump rope movements and identifying factors that can positively impact performance [1,7,8]. There are various types of rope skipping, but they all involve continuous vertical jumps at a relatively low height.…”

“…It entails the consecutive landing of the left and right feet with a minimal jumping height and requires the lower extremity muscle to generate propulsion. The lateral edge of the forefoot and midfoot serves as the primary impact region during AJRS [7], with the ankle joint demonstrating the most joint power and range of motion (ROM) [8] among the lower extremity joints. AJRS had a greater hip flexion angle than bounced jump in the sagittal plane and a smaller hip adduction angle in the frontal plane [9].…”

“…Similarly, Yu et al [1,7] found that jump rope shoes with a low degree of toe uplift and a thin sole could significantly affect jump rope performance. Footwear that reduces plantar pressure may be more beneficial for long-term jump rope exercise [8].…”