Background: Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is one of the most prevalent overuse injuries in runners. The strain rate in the iliotibial band (ITB) has been theorized to be the primary causative factor in the development of ITBS. Running speed and exhaustion might lead to an alteration in the biomechanics that influence the strain rate in the iliotibial band. Objectives: To identify how exhaustion states and running speeds affect the ITB strain and strain rate. Methods: A total of 26 healthy runners (including 16 males and 10 females) ran at a normal preferred speed and a fast speed. Then, participants performed a 30 min exhaustive treadmill run at a self-selected speed. Afterward, participants were required to run at similar speeds to those of the pre-exhaustion state. Results: Both the exhaustion and running speeds were revealed to have significant influences on the ITB strain rate. After exhaustion, an increase of approximately 3% in the ITB strain rate was observed for both the normal speed (p = 0.001) and the fast speed (p = 0.008). Additionally, a rapid increase in the running speed could lead to an increase in the ITB strain rate for both the pre- (9.71%, p = 0.000) and post-exhaustion (9.87%, p = 0.000) states. Conclusions: It should be noted that an exhaustion state could lead to an increase in the ITB strain rate. In addition, a rapid increase in running speed might cause a higher ITB strain rate, which is proposed to be the primary cause of ITBS. The risk of injury should also be considered due to the rapid increase in the training load involved. Running at a normal speed in a non-exhaustive state might be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of ITBS.

The purpose of the study is to determine the influence of lateral-heel-worn shoes (LHWS) on balance control ability through the single-leg drop jump test. The results could be beneficial by preventing lower limb injuries. Eighteen healthy participants performed the single-leg drop jump test. Times to stabilization for ground reaction forces (TTSG) in the anterior/posterior, medial/lateral, and vertical directions were calculated to quantify dynamic balance control ability. Outcome variables of the center of pressure (COP) were used to examine the main effect of LHWS during the static phase. The postural control ability was assessed through time to stabilization for the center of mass (TTSC) in the three directions. TTSG and TTSC for the LHWS group were found to be longer than those for the new shoes (NS) group in the M/L direction (p < 0.05). An increase in the TTS revealed an increased risk of falls during physical activities. However, no significant effects for both TTSG and TTSC were found in the other two directions between LHWS and NS groups. A static phase was cropped using TTSG for each trial, which indicated a phase after participants obtained balance. Outcome measures derived from COP showed no significant effects in the static phase. In conclusion, LHWS weakened balance control ability and postural stability in the M/L direction when compared to the NS group. During the static phase, no significant differences were found between the LHWS group and the NS group in balance control ability and postural stability. Consequently, lateral-worn shoes might increase the risk of fall injuries. The results could serve as an evaluation of shoe degradation for individuals with the aim of avoiding the risk of falls.