Effect of Foot Orthoses on Running Economy and Foot Longitudinal Arch Motion in Runners With Flat-Arched Feet

Author(s):  
Daniel Crago ◽  
John B. Arnold ◽  
Christopher Bishop

Purpose: To determine the effect of manipulating foot longitudinal arch motion with different-stiffness foot orthoses on running economy (RE) in runners with flat-arched feet and if changes in arch deformation and recoil were associated with changes in RE. Methods: Twenty-three recreational distance runners performed 5-minute submaximal treadmill runs at 12 km·h−1, in the following 3 conditions in a randomized order: (1) footwear only, (2) flexible orthoses (reduced arch thickness), and (3) standard orthoses. The RE (submaximal steady-state oxygen consumption [VO2submax]) and sagittal arch range of motion were compared among conditions using a repeated-measures analysis of variance and effect sizes (Cohen d). Pearson correlation coefficients were used to determine the association between the change in the sagittal arch range of motion and VO2submax. Results: Compared with standard orthoses, the mean VO2submax was significantly lower in both the flexible orthoses (−0.8 mL·kg−1·min−1, P < .001, d = 0.35) and footwear-only conditions (−1.2 mL·kg−1·min−1, P < .001, d = 0.49). The change in VO2submax between the flexible orthoses and footwear-only conditions was significantly positively correlated with the change in sagittal arch range of motion (r = .591, P = .005). Conclusion: Conventional foot orthoses were associated with poorer RE compared with flexible orthoses and footwear alone. Changes in arch deformation were positively correlated to changes in oxygen consumption, indicating that foot orthoses that limit arch deformation and recoil degrade RE. Foot orthoses that facilitate energy storage and release in the foot longitudinal arch may be advisable for athletes prescribed these devices for clinical purposes to maintain optimal running performance.

2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 374-384 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew S. Cole ◽  
Megan E. Woodruff ◽  
Mary P. Horn ◽  
Anthony D. Mahon

Relationships between physiological parameters and 5-km running performance were examined in 15 male runners (17.3 ± 0.9 years). Running economy (RE) and blood lactate concentration ([BLa]) at 241.2 m/min, VO2max, velocity at VO2max (vVO2max), vertical jump height and muscle power, and isokinetic knee extension strength at 60°/sec and 240°/sec were measured. The participants’ best 5-km race time over the last month of the cross-country season (16.98 ± 0.76 min) was used in the analysis. The data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients. Significant relationships to run time were observed for VO2max (r = -.53), RE (r = .55), and vVO2max (r = -.66), but not [BLa], isokinetic muscle torque, or vertical jump. Identifying the unique strength and power characteristics related to running performance in this age group is warranted.


Author(s):  
Kensuke Oba ◽  
Mina Samukawa ◽  
Yosuke Abe ◽  
Yukino Suzuki ◽  
Miho Komatsuzaki ◽  
...  

The different effects of intermittent and continuous stretching on the mechanical properties of the musculotendinous complex have been unclear. This study aimed to compare the effects of intermittent and continuous stretching for the same duration on the range of motion (ROM), passive resistive torque (PRT), and musculotendinous stiffness (MTS) of ankle plantar flexors. Eighteen healthy young men participated in the study. Intermittent (four sets × 30 s) and continuous stretching (one set × 120 s) were performed in random orders on two separate days. Both stretching protocols were conducted using a dynamometer with a constant torque applied. ROM and PRT were determined using a dynamometer, and MTS was calculated using the torque–angle relationship measured before and after stretching. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance was performed for all parameters. Both intermittent and continuous stretching significantly increased ROM and decreased PRT and MTS (p < 0.05). Intermittent stretching led to greater changes in ROM and PRT than continuous stretching. However, the reduction in MTS did not differ between the two conditions. These results suggest that intermittent stretching is more effective in increasing ROM and changing the mechanical properties of the musculotendinous complex.


2019 ◽  
Vol 32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karina Azevedo Lopes ◽  
Mayara Maciel Batista ◽  
Letícia Martins ◽  
André Luiz Kiihn ◽  
Marcos Roberto Queiroga ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: Some authors have described the importance of physiological intensity in the behavior of the biomechanical aspects of running (for example, subtalar pronation), but the complex relationships between these variables are not yet well understood. Objective: This study investigated the influence of positive gradients on internal mechanical work (Wint) and maximum subtalar pronation at a submaximal running speed. Method: Sixteen male, trained long-distance runners (age: 29 ± 7 yr; stature: 1.72 ± 0.07 m; body mass: 72.1 ± 10.6 kg), performed four running economy tests (gradients: +1%, +5%, +10% and +15%, respectively) for four minutes at a same submaximal running speed to quantify the maximum values of subtalar pronation and predict the Wint values. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Student’s T-test, and one-way repeated-measures (ANOVA) along with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Results: Wint increased according to the gradient (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in the maximum values of maximum subtalar pronation corresponding to each gradient. Conclusion: Results show the maximum subtalar pronation during submaximal running depends on the speed rather than intensity of effort.


2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 606-610 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer R. O’Neill ◽  
Karin A. Pfeiffer ◽  
Marsha Dowda ◽  
Russell R. Pate

Background:Little is known about the relationship between children’s physical activity (PA) in preschool (in-school) and outside of preschool (out-of-school). This study described this relationship.Methods:Participants were 341 children (4.6 ± 0.3 years) in 16 preschools. Accelerometers measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and total physical activity (TPA) in-school and out-of-school. In the full sample, Pearson correlation was used to describe associations between in-school and out-of-school PA. In addition, children were categorized as meeting or not meeting a PA guideline during school. MVPA and TPA were compared between the 2 groups and in-school and out-of-school using 2-way repeated-measures analysis of variance.Results:In the full sample, in-school and out-of-school PA were positively correlated for MVPA (r = .13, P = .02) and TPA (r = .15, P = .01). Children who met the guideline in-school remained comparably active out-of-school. However, those who did not meet the guideline were more active out-of-school than in-school. The groups were active at comparable levels while out-of-school. Identical patterns were seen for MVPA and TPA.Conclusions:Children’s in-school PA was positively associated with out-of-school PA. Children who did not meet the guideline in-school were more active out-of-school than in-school, suggesting preschool and classroom factors may reduce some children’s PA in-school.


2012 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 27-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Hanson ◽  
James Day

Context:Therapeutic modalities are routinely administered to increase fexibility, but the relative effects of different modes of tissue heating on passive range of motion (PROM) are unknown.Objective:To assess the relative effects of active exercise on a stationary bicycle, moist hot pack treatment, and warm whirlpool treatment on hip fexion PROM.Design:Repeated measures.Subjects:24 males and 20 females between the ages 18 and 24 years.Main Outcome MeasureHip fexion PROM measured by an inclinometer.Results:Repeated measures analysis of variance identified a significant difference among the heating methods, F(1, 43) = 32.41;p< .001. Active exercise produced the greatest change in hip fexion PROM.Conclusions:All three treatment methods produced an increase in hip fexion PROM, but active exercise produced a significantly greater increase than moist hot pack and warm whirlpool treatments.


2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Hecimovich

Background: Cricket bowling involves combined spinalmovements of side bending and rotation and, consequently, injuryto the low back is a common problem. Therefore the assessmentof lumbar spine kinematics has become a routine component inpreseason screening. This includes static measurement of lateralspinal flexion as asymmetrical range of motion may predispose anathlete to low back injury.Objectives: This study examined intra-rater reliability andconcurrent validity of the fingertip-to-floor distance test (FFD)when compared to a criterion range of motion measure.Methods: Thirty-four junior-level cricket players aged 13‑16years were recruited. Lumbar spine lateral flexion was measuredsimultaneously with the fingertip-to-floor distance test and digitalinclinometry methods. Relative and absolute intra-rater reliabilitywere investigated with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC3,1)of agreement, standard error of measurement (SEM) estimates,Bland and Altman bias estimates and 95% limits of agreement,respectively. The concurrent validity of the fingertip-to-floordistance test, compared to digital inclinometry measures, wasexamined with Pearson correlation coefficients.Results: Intra-rater reliability demonstrated substantial agreementfor both measures (ICC3,1 > 0.84). The fingertip-to-floor distancetest SEM values ranged from 1.71‑2.01 cm with an estimatedminimum detectable change (MDC) threshold of 4.73‑5.55 cm.The inclinometry SEM values ranged from 1.00‑1.09° withminimal detectable change estimates of 2.77‑3.01°. There werestrong correlations between the index test and criterion measureoutcomes (r > 0.84, p < 0.001).Conclusions: This study’s results support the intra-rater reliabilityand concurrent validity of the finger-to-floor distance test,suggesting it to be a suitable surrogate measure for lumbar lateralflexion testing


Biomechanics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Callum Stratford ◽  
Thomas Dos’Santos ◽  
John J. McMahon

The purpose of this study was to identify whether ten repetitions and three trials were necessary to achieve stability in peak reactive strength index (RSI) during the 10/5 repeated jumps test (RJT). Twenty-five males, from multiple sports, performed three trials of the RJT on an in-ground force plate, with 90 seconds’ rest between trials. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC = 0.916–0.986) and coefficients of variation (CV ≤ 14.5%) were considered acceptable for all variables. Repeated-measures analysis of variance and Freidman’s tests revealed large and significant differences (p ≤ 0.006, η2 = 0.159–0.434, power ≥ 0.859) in ground contact time (GCT), jump height (JH), and subsequently RSI both between trials and repetitions. Pairwise comparisons revealed that repetitions 1–3 produced longer GCTs (p ≤ 0.05, d = 0.41–1.40), lower JHs (p ≤ 0.05, d = 0.31–0.56), and lower RSI values (p ≤ 0.05, d = 0.35–1.24). The shortest GCTs, greatest JHs and greater RSIs occurred between repetitions 7 and 10, with approximately 60% of peak RSIs occurring during these ranges. The sequential estimate technique revealed that seven repetitions were needed to attain stability in mean peak RSI. Non-significant (p = 0.554) and negligible differences (d ≤ 0.09) in the five best RSIs between trials were noted. One trial of the 10/5 RJT is sufficient to evaluate peak RSI in athletes and should reduce data collection time and fatigue.


Sports ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 125
Author(s):  
Adam M. Gonzalez ◽  
Gerald T. Mangine ◽  
Robert W. Spitz ◽  
Jamie J. Ghigiarelli ◽  
Katie M. Sell

To determine the agreement between the Open Barbell (OB) and Tendo weightlifting analyzer (TWA) for measuring barbell velocity, eleven men (19.4 ± 1.0 y) performed one set of 2–3 repetitions at four sub-maximal percentage loads, [i.e., 30, 50, 70, and 90% one-repetition maximum (1RM)] in the back (BS) and front squat (FS) exercises. During each repetition, peak and mean barbell velocity were recorded by OB and TWA devices, and the average of the 2–3 repetitions was used for analyses. Although the repeated measures analysis of variance revealed significantly (p ≤ 0.005) greater peak and mean velocity scores from OB across all intensities, high intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC2,K = 0.790–0.998), low standard error of measurement (SEM2,K = 0.040–0.119 m·s−1), and coefficients of variation (CV = 2–4%) suggested consistency between devices. Positive (r = 0.491–0.949) Pearson correlations between averages and differences (between devices) in peak velocity, as well as associated Bland-Altman plots, showed greater differences occurred as the velocity increased, particularly at low-moderate intensity loads. OB consistently provides greater barbell velocity scores compared to TWA, and the differences between devices were more apparent as the peak velocity increased with low-to-moderate loads. Strength coaches and athletes may find better agreement between devices if the mean velocity scores are only considered.


2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 448-454 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy J. Suchomel ◽  
Kimitake Sato ◽  
Brad H. DeWeese ◽  
William P. Ebben ◽  
Michael H. Stone

The purposes of this study were to examine the effect of ballistic concentric-only half-squats (COHS) on subsequent squat-jump (SJ) performances at various rest intervals and to examine the relationships between changes in SJ performance and bilateral symmetry at peak performance. Thirteen resistance-trained men performed an SJ immediately and every minute up to 10 min on dual force plates after 2 ballistic COHS repetitions at 90% of their 1-repetition-maximum COHS. SJ peak force, peak power, net impulse, and rate of force development (RFD) were compared using a series of 1-way repeated-measures ANOVAs. The percent change in performance at which peak performance occurred for each variable was correlated with the symmetry index scores at the corresponding time point using Pearson correlation coefficients. Statistical differences in peak power (P = .031) existed between rest intervals; however, no statistically significant pairwise comparisons were present (P > .05). No statistical differences in peak force (P = .201), net impulse (P = .064), and RFD (P = .477) were present between rest intervals. The relationships between changes in SJ performance and bilateral symmetry after the rest interval that produced the greatest performance for peak force (r = .300, P = .319), peak power (r = –.041, P = .894), net impulse (r = –.028, P = .927), and RFD (r = –.434, P = .138) were not statistically significant. Ballistic COHS may enhance SJ performance; however, the changes in performance were not related to bilateral symmetry.


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