Changes in Sagittal Plane Kinematics With Treadmill Familiarization to Barefoot Running

Interest in barefoot running and research on barefoot running are growing. However a methodological issue surrounding investigations is how familiar the participants are with running barefoot. The aim of the study was to assess the amount of time required for habitually shod runners to become familiar with barefoot treadmill running. Twelve female recreational runners, who were experienced treadmill users, ran barefoot on a treadmill for three bouts, each bout consisting of 10 minutes at a self-selected speed with 5 minute rest periods. Sagittal plane kinematics of the hip, knee, ankle, and foot during stance were recorded during the first and last minute of each 10-minute bout. Strong reliability (ICC > .8) was shown in most variables after 20 minutes of running. In addition, there was a general trend for the smallest standard error of mean to occur during the same period. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in any of the biomechanical variables after 20 minutes of running. Together, this suggests that familiarization was achieved between 11 and 20 minutes of running barefoot on a treadmill. Familiarization was characterized by less plantar flexion and greater knee flexion at touchdown. These results indicate that adequate familiarization should be given in future studies before gait assessment of barefoot treadmill running.

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Comparison between Accelerometer and Gyroscope in Predicting Level-Ground Running Kinematics by Treadmill Running Kinematics Using a Single Wearable Sensor

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s21144633 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (14) ◽

pp. 4633

Author(s):

Daniel Hung Kay Chow ◽

Luc Tremblay ◽

Chor Yin Lam ◽

Adrian Wai Yin Yeung ◽

Wilson Ho Wu Cheng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mean Squared Error ◽

Sagittal Plane ◽

Wearable Sensors ◽

Training Data ◽

Treadmill Running ◽

Measurement Unit ◽

Squared Error ◽

Recreational Runners ◽

The Right ◽

Better Than

Wearable sensors facilitate running kinematics analysis of joint kinematics in real running environments. The use of a few sensors or, ideally, a single inertial measurement unit (IMU) is preferable for accurate gait analysis. This study aimed to use a convolutional neural network (CNN) to predict level-ground running kinematics (measured by four IMUs on the lower extremities) by using treadmill running kinematics training data measured using a single IMU on the anteromedial side of the right tibia and to compare the performance of level-ground running kinematics predictions between raw accelerometer and gyroscope data. The CNN model performed regression for intraparticipant and interparticipant scenarios and predicted running kinematics. Ten recreational runners were recruited. Accelerometer and gyroscope data were collected. Intraparticipant and interparticipant R2 values of actual and predicted running kinematics ranged from 0.85 to 0.96 and from 0.7 to 0.92, respectively. Normalized root mean squared error values of actual and predicted running kinematics ranged from 3.6% to 10.8% and from 7.4% to 10.8% in intraparticipant and interparticipant tests, respectively. Kinematics predictions in the sagittal plane were found to be better for the knee joint than for the hip joint, and predictions using the gyroscope as the regressor were demonstrated to be significantly better than those using the accelerometer as the regressor.

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Running barefoot leads to lower running stability compared to shod running - results from a randomized controlled study

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-83056-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Karsten Hollander ◽

Daniel Hamacher ◽

Astrid Zech

Keyword(s):

Controlled Trial ◽

Drop Out ◽

Treadmill Running ◽

Measurement Unit ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Local Dynamic ◽

Long Term Effects ◽

Barefoot Running ◽

Random Intercept ◽

Short Time

AbstractLocal dynamic running stability is the ability of a dynamic system to compensate for small perturbations during running. While the immediate effects of footwear on running biomechanics are frequently investigated, no research has studied the long-term effects of barefoot vs. shod running on local dynamic running stability. In this randomized single-blinded controlled trial, young adults novice to barefoot running were randomly allocated to a barefoot or a cushioned footwear running group. Over an 8-week-period, both groups performed a weekly 15-min treadmill running intervention in the allocated condition at 70% of their VO2 max velocity. During each session, an inertial measurement unit on the tibia recorded kinematic data (angular velocity) which was used to determine the short-time largest Lyapunov exponents as a measure of local dynamic running stability. One hundred running gait cycles at the beginning, middle, and end of each running session were analysed using one mixed linear multilevel random intercept model. Of the 41 included participants (48.8% females), 37 completed the study (drop-out = 9.7%). Participants in the barefoot running group exhibited lower running stability than in the shod running group (p = 0.037) with no changes during the intervention period (p = 0.997). Within a single session, running stability decreased over the course of the 15-min run (p = 0.012) without differences between both groups (p = 0.060). Changing from shod to barefoot running reduces running stability not only in the acute phase but also in the longer term. While running stability is a relatively new concept, it enables further insight into the biomechanical influence of footwear.

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IMU-Based Effects Assessment of the Use of Foot Orthoses in the Stance Phase during Running and Asymmetry between Extremities

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s21093277 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (9) ◽

pp. 3277

Author(s):

Juan Luis Florenciano Restoy ◽

Jordi Solé-Casals ◽

Xantal Borràs-Boix

Keyword(s):

Contact Time ◽

Stance Phase ◽

Inertial Sensors ◽

Sagittal Plane ◽

Plantar Flexion ◽

Foot Orthoses ◽

Foot Kinematics ◽

Running Injuries ◽

The Right ◽

Movement Differences

The objectives of this study were to determine the amplitude of movement differences and asymmetries between feet during the stance phase and to evaluate the effects of foot orthoses (FOs) on foot kinematics in the stance phase during running. In total, 40 males were recruited (age: 43.0 ± 13.8 years, weight: 72.0 ± 5.5 kg, height: 175.5 ± 7.0 cm). Participants ran on a running treadmill at 2.5 m/s using their own footwear, with and without the FOs. Two inertial sensors fixed on the instep of each of the participant’s footwear were used. Amplitude of movement along each axis, contact time and number of steps were considered in the analysis. The results indicate that the movement in the sagittal plane is symmetric, but that it is not in the frontal and transverse planes. The right foot displayed more degrees of movement amplitude than the left foot although these differences are only significant in the abduction case. When FOs are used, a decrease in amplitude of movement in the three axes is observed, except for the dorsi-plantar flexion in the left foot and both feet combined. The contact time and the total step time show a significant increase when FOs are used, but the number of steps is not altered, suggesting that FOs do not interfere in running technique. The reduction in the amplitude of movement would indicate that FOs could be used as a preventive tool. The FOs do not influence the asymmetry of the amplitude of movement observed between feet, and this risk factor is maintained. IMU devices are useful tools to detect risk factors related to running injuries. With its use, even more personalized FOs could be manufactured.

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Functional Data Analyses for the Assessment of Joint Power Profiles During Gait of Stroke Subjects

Journal of Applied Biomechanics ◽

10.1123/jab.2013-0147 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 30 (2) ◽

pp. 348-352 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

André G. P. Andrade ◽

Janaine C. Polese ◽

Leopoldo A. Paolucci ◽

Hans-Joachim K. Menzel ◽

Luci F. Teixeira-Salmela

Keyword(s):

Power Generation ◽

Gait Cycle ◽

Sagittal Plane ◽

Plantar Flexion ◽

Knee Extension ◽

Mathematical Function ◽

Joint Power ◽

Gait Biomechanics ◽

Isolated Points ◽

Parametric Analyses

Lower extremity kinetic data during walking of 12 people with chronic poststroke were reanalyzed, using functional analysis of variance (FANOVA). To perform the FANOVA, the whole curve is represented by a mathematical function, which spans the whole gait cycle and avoids the need to identify isolated points, as required for traditional parametric analyses of variance (ANOVA). The power variables at the ankle, knee, and hip joints, in the sagittal plane, were compared between two conditions: With and without walking sticks at comfortable and fast speeds. For the ankle joint, FANOVA demonstrated increases in plantar flexion power generation during 60–80% of the gait cycle between fast and comfortable speeds with the use of walking sticks. For the knee joint, the use of walking sticks resulted in increases in the knee extension power generation during 10–30% of the gait cycle. During both speeds, the use of walking sticks resulted in increased power generation by the hip extensors and flexors during 10–30% and 40–70% of the gait cycle, respectively. These findings demonstrated the benefits of applying the FANOVA approach to improve the knowledge regarding the effects of walking sticks on gait biomechanics and encourage its use within other clinical contexts.

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Competitive and Recreational Running Kinematics Examined Using Principal Components Analysis

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9101321 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. 1321

Author(s):

Wenjing Quan ◽

Huiyu Zhou ◽

Datao Xu ◽

Shudong Li ◽

Julien S. Baker ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Principal Component Analysis ◽

Principal Components ◽

Sagittal Plane ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Frontal Plane ◽

Principal Component ◽

Component Analysis ◽

Ankle Inversion ◽

Motion System ◽

Recreational Runners

Kinematics data are primary biomechanical parameters. A principal component analysis (PCA) of waveforms is a statistical approach used to explore patterns of variability in biomechanical curve datasets. Differences in experienced and recreational runners’ kinematic variables are still unclear. The purpose of the present study was to compare any differences in kinematics parameters for competitive runners and recreational runners using principal component analysis in the sagittal plane, frontal plane and transverse plane. Forty male runners were divided into two groups: twenty competitive runners and twenty recreational runners. A Vicon Motion System (Vicon Metrics Ltd., Oxford, UK) captured three-dimensional kinematics data during running at 3.3 m/s. The principal component analysis was used to determine the dominating variation in this model. Then, the principal component scores retained the first three principal components and were analyzed using independent t-tests. The recreational runners were found to have a smaller dorsiflexion angle, initial dorsiflexion contact angle, ankle inversion, knee adduction, range motion in the frontal knee plane and hip frontal plane. The running kinematics data were influenced by running experience. The findings from the study provide a better understanding of the kinematics variables for competitive and recreational runners. Thus, these findings might have implications for reducing running injury and improving running performance.

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BIOMECHANICS OF SHOD AND BAREFOOT RUNNING: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte ◽

10.1590/1517-869220202606219320 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 26 (6) ◽

pp. 551-557

Author(s):

Vitória da Silveira Jahn ◽

Clara Knierim Correia ◽

Elisa Dell’Antonio ◽

Luis Mochizuki ◽

Caroline Ruschel

Keyword(s):

Literature Review ◽

Plantar Flexion ◽

Reaction Force ◽

Individual Characteristics ◽

Medial Gastrocnemius ◽

Vertical Ground Reaction Force ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Barefoot Running ◽

Foot Strike ◽

General Studies

ABSTRACT This study aims to analyze and summarize the biomechanical (kinematics, kinetics and neuromuscular) differences between shod and barefoot running, through a literature review. Searches were conducted for complete articles published between 2013 and November 2018 in the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and SPORTdiscus databases. The search terms used were Biomechanics, Kinetics, Kinematics, Electromyography, “Surface Electromyography”; and Unshod, Barefoot, Barefeet and Running. The search resulted in 687 articles; after excluding duplicates and selecting by title, abstract and full text, 40 articles were included in the review. The results show that there are important differences in the biomechanics of running when shod or barefoot. In general, studies indicate that in barefoot running: a) individuals present forefoot or midfoot foot strike patterns, while in shod running the typical pattern is the rearfoot strike; (b) greater cadence and shorter stride length are observed; and (c) there is greater knee flexion, lower peak vertical ground reaction force and greater activation of the medial gastrocnemius. In addition, barefoot runners contact the ground with greater plantar flexion, possibly as a strategy to reduce impact when stepping without footwear. These differences, as well as runners’ individual characteristics, should be considered in the prescription of the barefoot running, in order to minimize injuries resulting from the practice. Level of Evidence II; Review.

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KINEMATICS OF LOWER LIMBAND PELVIC WORK DURING RUNNING IN NEUTRAL AND MINIMALIST FOOTWEAR AMONG A GROUP OF HIGHLY QUALIFIED RUNNERS

Journal of Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences ◽

10.5604/01.3001.0013.6499 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 28 (83) ◽

pp. 45-53

Author(s):

Wiesław Chwała ◽

Wacław Mirek ◽

Andrzej Klimek ◽

Krzysztof Mirek

Keyword(s):

Hip Joint ◽

Joint Angle ◽

Female Athletes ◽

Sagittal Plane ◽

Plantar Flexion ◽

Initial Point ◽

Swing Phase ◽

Highly Qualified ◽

Maximal Extension ◽

A Value

Aim. The aim of the study is to characterise and compare the values of angle changes within the lower limb joints in the sagittal plane and spatial pelvic movements while running in minimalist and neutral footwear. Materials and methods. Research was carried out among a group of 13 participants (6 men and 7 women), highly qualified male and female athletes from the AZS AWF (University of Physical Education) Kraków club. Registration of the run and analysis of the results was performed using spatial motion analysis via the Vicon system with speeds at 3.94±0.45 m/s for men and 3.97±0.32 m/s for women, and 3.91±057 m/s and 4.1±0.36 m/s for men and women, respectively, in the group of highly qualified athletes. Results. At the initial point of foot contact with the ground, the minimalist footwear run was characterised by greater plantar flexion totalling about 5º compared to the run in neutral footwear. There was also a 8º higher value of dorsiflexion during the amortisation phase and a lower value by approx. 5º during the swing phase in this joint when running in minimalist footwear. In the knee joint, a value of about 6º higher flexion was observed during the amortisation phase when running in minimalist footwear. Differences in hip joint angle of approximately 6-8º were found during maximal extension of the joint during the final rebound phase. Spatial pelvic movements were similar during runs in both types of footwear. Conclusions. The obtained results indicate that some of the amortisation and driving force tasks are taken over by the sports footwear. During the run in minimalist footwear, a key role in the field of body amortisation is played by the increased range of knee flexion, while during the rebound phase, the increased range of hip joint extension predominates.

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Acute changes in sagittal plane kinematics while wearing a novel belt device during treadmill running

Sports Biomechanics ◽

10.1080/14763141.2019.1676462 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 1-13 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Eric T. Greenberg ◽

Micah C. Garcia ◽

Juliana Galante ◽

William G. Werner

Keyword(s):

Sagittal Plane ◽

Treadmill Running ◽

Acute Changes

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The Effect of the TayCo External Ankle Brace on Multidirectional Reach Distance, Balance, and Motion in Collegiate Athletes

International Journal of Athletic Therapy & Training ◽

10.1123/ijatt.2019-0083 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (6) ◽

pp. 323-327

Author(s):

Steven J. Smith ◽

Cameron J. Powden

Keyword(s):

Range Of Motion ◽

Sagittal Plane ◽

Dynamic Balance ◽

Plantar Flexion ◽

Collegiate Athletes ◽

Frontal Plane ◽

Plane Motion ◽

Lower Extremity Function ◽

Physically Active ◽

Ankle Brace

Ensuring ankle stability while allowing for functional movement is important when returning patients to physical activity and attempting to prevent injury. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the TayCo external and a lace-up ankle brace on lower extremity function, dynamic balance, and motion in 18 physically active participants. Significantly greater range of motion was demonstrated for the TayCo brace compared with the lace-up brace for dorsiflexion and plantar flexion, as well as less range of motion for the TayCo brace compared to the lace-up brace for inversion and eversion. The TayCo brace provided restricted frontal plane motion while allowing increased sagittal plane motion without impacting performance measures.

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ADHERENCE TO SIX MONTHS OF INSTRUCTED MINIMALIST AND BAREFOOT RUNNING TRAINING

Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte ◽

10.1590/1517-869220162203152987 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 22 (3) ◽

pp. 182-185 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ana Paula da Silva Azevedo ◽

Clara Nóbrega ◽

Alberto Carlos Amadio ◽

Júlio Cerca Serrão

Keyword(s):

Training Program ◽

Drop Out ◽

Intervention Programs ◽

Dropping Out ◽

Exercise Programs ◽

Barefoot Running ◽

Running Training ◽

The Third ◽

Supervised Exercise ◽

Recreational Runners

ABSTRACT Introduction: The interest in minimalist and barefoot running is growing continuously. However, there is no data on how many runners drop out during this process. Objective: To describe the adhesion and dropout rates of a six-month instructed training program based on barefoot and minimalist footwear running. Methods: Thirty-four recreational runners participated in the study: 20 runners started the race training barefoot, while 14 runners were involved in training with minimalist footwear. Adhesion to intervention programs was evaluated through training spreadsheets and recording attendance at training sessions, while dropouts were evaluated at the end of training. A questionnaire was sent to participants who dropped out of the training, to obtain information related on why they had abandoned it. Results: Considering all participants (n=34), 41.2% of the runners completed six months with reduced plantar protection; 70% of all dropouts occurred in barefoot training; the main reasons for leaving the training were injury/pain (40%) and lack of time/suitable place for training (40%); and the majority of dropouts (50%) occurred in the first month of training. Barefoot training (n=20) showed 70% dropouts, 57.1% of them due to lack of time/suitable place for training; and 71.4% of the dropouts occurred in the first month of the intervention. The training with minimalist footwear (n=14) had fewer dropouts (42.9%) than the barefoot training, all of them due to injury/pain; 50% of them occurred in the third month of intervention. Conclusion: Dropouts usually occur at the beginning of training. Training involving barefoot running has more dropouts than training with minimalist footwear. Intervention programs lasting six months based on minimalist footwear/barefoot seems to have similar adhesion to other supervised exercise programs. The main reasons for dropping out are injury/pain and lack of time/suitable place to run.

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