Effect of neutral-cushioned running shoes on plantar pressure loading and comfort in athletes with cavus feet

▸ Wegener C, Burns J, Penkala S. Am J Sports Med 2008;36:2139–46.

Background:

Pes cavus (high arched foot) is associated with increased risk of injuries, presumably due to poor shock absorption — therefore, shock absorbing footwear (soft neutral shoes) is recommended for these patients.

Research question/s:

Do neutral-cushioned running shoes reduce in-shoe plantar pressure loading and improve comfort during running in athletes with cavus feet?

Methodology:

Subjects: 22 athletes (men = 16, 70.8+10.7 kg), with cavus feet (using the Foot Posture Index).

Experimental procedure: All the runners were assessed and then performed overground running trials during which comfort (VAS) and plantar pressures were measured (in-shoe Novel Pedar-X system). Trials were randomised by footwear (a control condition — Dunlop Volley (Dunlop) shoe — and two neutral-cushioned running shoes (Asics Nimbus 6 — Asics, and Brooks Glycerin 3 — Brooks).

Measures of outcome: Peak pressure (kPa) and pressure time integral (kPa.s) (whole foot, forefoot, midfoot, rearfoot), comfort (VAS).

Main finding/s:

Both peak pressure and pressure time integrals were significantly reduced by wearing neutral-cushioned running shoes.

Comfort: the Asics Nimbus shoe was rated the most comfortable shoe — both neutral-cushioned running shoes were significantly more comfortable than the control shoe (p<0.001).

Conclusion/s:

In runners with pes cavus, neutral running shoes significantly reduce …