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SportsMedUpdate
SportsMedUpdate
  1. Martin P Schwellnus
  1. Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa

https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2011-090181

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    Different shoes (running shoes, racing flats and spikes) alter biomechanical variables in runners – differences between the running shoes were greater in male compared with female athletes.

    ▶ Logan S, Hunter I, Hopkins JT, et al. Ground reaction force differences between running shoes, racing flats and distance spikes in runners. J Sports Sci Med 2010;9:147–53.OpenUrlWeb of Science

    Background

    Distance runners use a variety of shoes during training and competition – these shoes may affect running biomechanics, and therefore the risk of injury.

    Research question/s

    In distance runners, are there any differences in biomechanical variables (ground reaction forces) between running shoes, racing flats and distance spikes?

    Methodology

    Subjects: 20 intercollegiate distance runners (males=10, 21.6±3.0 years; females=10, 20.0±1.5 years).

    Experimental procedure: All the subjects were assessed and then ran across a force plate (males at 6.7 m/s and females at 5.7 m/s) in each of the three types of shoes (running shoes – RS, racing flats – RF and distance spikes – DS) in a randomised fashion. Only subjects who exhibited a heel strike were included in the data analysis.

    Measures of outcome: Differences between shoe types and between genders for peak vertical impact force (BW), loading rate (BW/s), stance time (s), vertical stiffness (BW/m), peak braking force (BW).

    Main finding/s

    Stance times were shorter and maximum propulsion forces were greater in racing flats compared to running shoes in females.

    Conclusion/s

    Different shoes (running shoes, racing flats and spikes) alter biomechanical variables in runners – differences between the running shoes were greater in male compared with female athletes.

    Evidence-based rating: 7/10

    Clinical interest rating: 7/10

    Type of study: Randomised, controlled, clinical …

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    Footnotes

    • Competing interests None.

    • Provenance and peer review Commissioned; internally peer reviewed.