The morphology of foot soft tissues is associated with running shoe type in healthy recreational runners

Zhang, Xianyi; Delabastita, Tijs; J, Lissens; Beenhouwer, Floor De; Vanwanseele, Benedicte

doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2017.11.008

Cited by 11 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…Because landing on a cushionless heel is uncomfortable for habitual shod runners, minimalist shoes also promote a non-RFS running style (Lieberman et al, 2010 ; Squadrone et al, 2014 ), which adds to the requirements of strong foot musculature for injury-free usage (Bonacci et al, 2013 ). Research shows that runners having a healthy career with minimalist shoes exhibit stiffer foot arch and larger size of the intrinsic foot muscles (Holowka et al, 2018 ; Zhang et al, 2018 ). Therefore, many training protocols have been developed to help runners adopt minimalist shoes.…”

Section: We Are Optimized To Run With a Forefoot Strike Patternmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reversing the Mismatch With Forefoot Striking to Reduce Running Injuries

Davis

Chen

Wearing

2022

Front. Sports Act. Living

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Recent studies have suggested that 95% of modern runners land with a rearfoot strike (RFS) pattern. However, we hypothesize that running with an RFS pattern is indicative of an evolutionary mismatch that can lead to musculoskeletal injury. This perspective is predicated on the notion that our ancestors evolved to run barefoot and primarily with a forefoot strike (FFS) pattern. We contend that structures of the foot and ankle are optimized for forefoot striking which likely led to this pattern in our barefoot state. We propose that the evolutionary mismatch today has been driven by modern footwear that has altered our footstrike pattern. In this paper, we review the differences in foot and ankle function during both a RFS and FFS running pattern. This is followed by a discussion of the interaction of footstrike and footwear on running mechanics. We present evidence supporting the benefits of forefoot striking with respect to common running injuries such as anterior compartment syndrome and patellofemoral pain syndrome. We review the importance of a gradual shift to FFS running to reduce transition-related injuries. In sum, we will make an evidence-based argument for the use of minimal footwear with a FFS pattern to optimize foot strength and function, minimize ground reaction force impacts and reduce injury risk.

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Section: We Are Optimized To Run With a Forefoot Strike Patternmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reversing the Mismatch With Forefoot Striking to Reduce Running Injuries

Davis

Chen

Wearing

2022

Front. Sports Act. Living

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“…In relation to biomechanics variables, 10 studies were included. The morphologic characteristics of the AT were analysed by 9 studies (14,19,(43)(44)(45)(46)(47)(48)(49). The AT morphologic characteristics were assessed in relation to foot strike pattern (45,46) and the influence of the footwear (i.e., traditional versus minimalist shod) (44,49).…”

Section: Running Biomechanics Variablesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The morphologic characteristics of the AT were analysed by 9 studies (14,19,(43)(44)(45)(46)(47)(48)(49). The AT morphologic characteristics were assessed in relation to foot strike pattern (45,46) and the influence of the footwear (i.e., traditional versus minimalist shod) (44,49). Farris et al (43) and Neves et al (47) studied the AT differences pre and post 10-min and 30-min running bouts, respectively.…”

Section: Running Biomechanics Variablesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Farris et al (43) and Neves et al (47) studied the AT differences pre and post 10-min and 30-min running bouts, respectively. Other aspects that have been studied in relation with AT morphologic characteristics are: lower limb stiffness (19), cross country season (48), foot characteristics (49), running energy cost and running performance (14). Finally, two studies assessed the relation of the PF-Thickness with running variables.…”

Section: Running Biomechanics Variablesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Finally, two studies assessed the relation of the PF-Thickness with running variables. Chen et al (50) analysed the relation between PF-Thickness and foot strike pattern, while Zhang et al (49) assessed the relation between footwear characteristics and PF-Thickness. In terms of running biomechanics variables any study assessed the morphologic characteristics of the PT.…”

Section: Running Biomechanics Variablesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Lower-Limb Connective Tissue Morphologic Characteristics in Runners. How Do They Relate with Running Biomechanics and Tendon Pathology? A Systematic Review

Rubio-Peirotén¹,

García-Pinillos²,

Cartón-Llorente³

et al. 2022

Muscle Ligaments and Tendons J

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Although the role of connective tissue in running injuries and biomechanics has been widely investigated, systematic reviews on this issue were rarely reported. The aim of this study is to systematically review the current literature regarding the morphological characteristics (i.e., cross-sectional area and thickness) of the main connective tissue of the lower limb in runners and its relationship with running biomechanics and tendon pathology. The main keywords used were: Achilles and patellar tendons, plantar fascia, ultrasound, thickness, cross-sectional area and running. Observational design English-written studies published between January 2000 and September 2020 were included. After exclusion criteria were applied, 34 studies remained. 16 studies analysed connective tissue related to sample characteristics where mainly the differences between runners and controls were studied along other factors such as gender, weight and nationality. Regarding running biomechanics, 10 studies assessed connective tissue on running biomechanics with focusing on foot strike pattern and footwear characteristics. Regarding tendon pathology, 8 studies analysed the connective tissue assessing, mainly, whether the pathological tendons are thicker. Runners show higher tendons, in terms of thickness and CSA, than control subjects and athletes from other disciplines whose tendons are subjected to lighter loads. Adaptation to load leads to better performance, what seems to explain these morphological differences. Study registration. None.

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Muscles and Tendons

Mickle¹

2023

Foot and Ankle Biomechanics

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The morphology of foot soft tissues is associated with running shoe type in healthy recreational runners

Cited by 11 publications

References 31 publications

Reversing the Mismatch With Forefoot Striking to Reduce Running Injuries

Reversing the Mismatch With Forefoot Striking to Reduce Running Injuries

Lower-Limb Connective Tissue Morphologic Characteristics in Runners. How Do They Relate with Running Biomechanics and Tendon Pathology? A Systematic Review

Muscles and Tendons

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