Foot and Lower Limb Clinical and Structural Changes in Overuse Injured Recreational Runners Using Floating Heel Shoes: Preliminary Results of a Randomised Control Trial

Abstract

Foot-strike and the associated load rate are factors related to overuse injuries in runners. The purpose of this study was to analyse structural and functional changes in runners using floating heel running shoes, compared with runners using conventional footwear. A randomised control trial was conducted. Twenty runners with overuse injuries were followed over a 12-week gait retraining programme using floating heel running shoes or their conventional footwear. Pain was measured with pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), structural changes were measured with ultrasonography, and severity and impact of injury was scored on the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Overuse Injury Questionnaire (OSTRC-O). Statistical differences were found between groups after the intervention (p < 0.001), with a medium size effect SE = 0.8, and the floating heel running shoes group reached higher PPTs values. Participants using floating heel running shoes showed higher OSTRC-O scores than those using their conventional footwear (p < 0.05), with higher scores after the intervention (p < 0.05). A 12-week gait retraining programme using floating heel running shoes had positive effects on the injury recovery process when compared to the use of conventional footwear, with significant differences in terms of pain and impact on sports activity.

Foot Strike Pattern and Cadence of the Marathon Athletes at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games: An Approach To Analyse Performance

“…In accordance with the results of this study, the MFS pattern is the most chosen by the elite athletes analysed. In addition, the results of previous studies showed several reasons for adopting this running technique: (1) MFS is related to better performance and greater running economy [8], (2) MFS reduces vertical impact compared to RFS [7], (3) studies focused on running retraining proposed a change from RFS to NRFS as a strategy to reduce the risk of injury and as a treatment strategy for running injuries [10], ( 4) is a technique that avoids excessive dorsiflexion of the foot which poses a risk of injury [26]. If we consider all mentioned above, we can conclude that MFS this is the most favorable technique for long distance road events.…”

“…[8]. Studies focusing on running retraining technique use the change from RFS to MFS to avoid injury mechanisms [9] and also as a strategy for recovery from common running injuries [10]. Another study with experienced non-elite athletes concludes that to achieve better running economy, a MFS with a long contact time should be sought.…”

Footstrike Pattern and Cadence of the Marathon Athletes at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

“…According to the findings of this study, the midfoot strike (MFS) pattern was the most commonly observed among the elite athletes analysed. Previous research has also provided several reasons for adopting this running technique: (1) MFS is associated with better performance and improved running economy [8], (2) MFS reduces vertical impact compared with rearfoot strike (RFS) [7], (3) studies focusing on running retraining have proposed a transition from RFS to non-rearfoot strike (NRFS) as a strategy to reduce the risk of injury and as a treatment approach for running-related injuries [10], (4) MFS avoids excessive dorsiflexion of the foot, which can pose a risk of injury [26]. By taking all these factors into account, it can be concluded that MFS is the most favorable technique for long-distance road events.…”

“…Folland et al linked MFS running to improved performance and enhanced running economy [8]. Furthermore, studies focusing on running retraining techniques often employ a transition from RFS to MFS to mitigate injury mechanisms [9] and as a strategy for recovering from common running injuries [10]. Another study involving experienced non-elite athletes suggests that achieving better running economy entails seeking an MFS with a longer contact time [11].…”