Influence of Tibial Shock Feedback Training on Impact Loading and Running Economy

Abstract

The results of this study suggest that gait retraining using RTF is an effective means of eliciting reductions in impact loading without negatively affecting running economy. However, with loading rate reductions not being maintained 1 month posttraining, further research is required to determine how these reductions in impact severity can be retained long term.

Gait modifications to change lower extremity gait biomechanics in runners: a systematic review

“…Specifically, the ankle tended to be more plantarflexed at initial contact with a mid-foot strike (ES=4.76),24 forefoot strike (ES=3.88 and 5.60 for barefoot and shod, respectively,38 and ES=4.2640) or Pose technique (ES=2.35) 24. Peak-positive acceleration feedback resulted in significantly increased plantarflexion both immediately postfeedback protocol (ES=0.76) and at 1 month follow-up (ES=0.90) 52. A 20% increase in stride length had the effect of decreasing plantarflexion (ES=0.26) 47.…”

“…Studies that only provided a subjective comparison between conditions (eg, ‘more’ or ‘less’) are also detailed below, although these do not contain quantifiable data such as effect sizes or statistical comparisons. Six studies20–22 24 52 55 employed multiple training sessions and examined longitudinal effects, while the remaining studies were limited to a single session and examined immediate effects.…”

Do runners who suffer injuries have higher vertical ground reaction forces than those who remain injury-free? A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Some studies have already shown that the LR of the VGRF can successfully be reduced following a gait retraining programme that uses feedback on tibial peak acceleration,6 and step frequency 8. LR reductions were still present 1 month after retraining in two of these studies,6 8 but not in the other 36. Also, the LR of the VGRF itself may be used as a target variable that is provided to runners as feedback during gait retraining.…”

Characterizing the Learning Effect in Response to Biofeedback Aimed at Reducing Tibial Acceleration during Running

“…Matlab was used for calculations of mean peak tibial acceleration after the conditions and the fiftieth percentile of peak positive tibial acceleration. The fiftieth percentile of peak positive tibial acceleration from the baseline condition was set as a target in the feedback condition [2,5]. …”

“…Tibial stress fractures can cause significant disruption to training, a reduction in physical fitness as well as increased psychological distress [2]. An earlier prospective study [3] suggests that increased tibial acceleration during the loading phase in running is related to tibial stress fractures and could therefore be an important risk factor for injury.…”