Subgroups of Foot-Ankle Movement Patterns Can Influence the Responsiveness to a Foot-Core Exercise Program: A Hierarchical Cluster Analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify homogenous subgroups of foot-ankle (FA) kinematic patterns among recreational runners and further investigate whether differences in baseline movement patterns can influence the mechanical responses to a foot-core exercise intervention program. This is a secondary analysis of data from 85 participants of a randomized controlled trial (clinicaltrials.gov – NCT02306148) investigating the effects of an exercise-based therapeutic approach focused on FA complex. A validated skin marker-based multi-segment foot model was used to acquire kinematic data during the stance phase of treadmill running. Kinematic features were extracted from the time-series data using a principal component analysis, and the reduced data served as input for a hierarchical cluster analysis to identify subgroups of FA movement patterns. FA angle time series were compared between identified clusters and the mechanical effects of the foot-core exercise intervention was assessed for each subgroup. Two clusters of FA running patterns were identified, with cluster 1 (n = 36) presenting a pattern of forefoot abduction, while cluster 2 (n = 49) displayed deviations in the proximal segments, with a rearfoot adduction and midfoot abduction throughout the stance phase of running. Data from 29 runners who completed the intervention protocol were analyzed after 8-weeks of foot-core exercises, resulting in changes mainly in cluster 1 (n = 16) in the transverse plane, in which we observed a reduction in the forefoot abduction, an increase in the rearfoot adduction and an approximation of their pattern to the runners in cluster 2 (n = 13). The findings of this study may help guide individual-centered treatment strategies, taking into account their initial mechanical patterns.

Effects of Foot-Core Training on Foot-Ankle Kinematics and Running Kinetics in Runners: Secondary Outcomes From a Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Furthermore, although lower-limb kinematic patterns are similar in over-ground and treadmill running ( Fellin et al, 2010 ; Sinclair et al, 2014 ), the participants ran barefoot on a treadmill to facilitate kinematic measurements, a condition different from their usual practice. Finally, we observed some differences at baseline in the foot-ankle kinematic patterns that could be related to the previously identified clusters of movement patterns among our population of recreational runners included in this study ( Watari et al, 2021 ). Runners in the different clusters might have responded differently to the training program.…”

Effect of Long-Distance Running on Inter-segment Foot Kinematics and Ground Reaction Forces: A Preliminary Study

“…Moreover, the muscular fatigue after 10 km of running was only speculated based on previous research results and further investigation about muscle activity before and after running is warranted for verification. In addition, distinct individuals may show different foot kinematic responses during running and a cluster analysis may help find the particular baseline patterns among them (Watari et al, 2021). Lastly, we only investigated the foot kinematic differences during the stance phase as it is the only time for foot-ground interaction.…”

Effect Of Improving Lumbar Mobility, Spinal Stability ; With Core Stability Training To Achieve Per-sonal Best Runner

“…To achieve these simple basic movements in running requires good mobility and body stability. Because any leg misalignment or weakness that negatively impacts leg mobility can interfere with the absorption or propulsion phase in running partners while running (Cowley, 2019;Fourchet et al, 2015;Hoenig et al, 2019;Lacquaniti et al, 2017;Sulowska et al, 2019;Watari et al, 2021).…”