The stiff plate location into the shoe influences the running biomechanics

Abstract

The changes in running biomechanics induced by an increased longitudinal bending stiffness (stiff plates added into the shoes) have been well investigated, but little is known concerning the effects of the stiff plate location into the shoe on running biomechanics. Fourteen male recreational runners ran at two participantspecific running speeds (3.28 ± 0.28 m/s and 4.01 ± 0.27 m/s) with two shoe conditions where a stiff plate was added either in high (under the insole) or low location (between the midsole and outsole). Ground reaction forces, lower limb joint angles, net joint torques and work, as well as alignment between the resultant ground reaction force and the leg were analysed. Among the running speeds performed by the runners, the high location significantly decreased propulsive ground reaction forces, increased metatarsophalangeal joint dorsiflexion and ankle plantarflexion, induced an increased alignment between the resultant ground reaction force and the runner's leg, thus decreasing all the lower limb joint torques and the positive work at the knee joint compared to the low location. The results suggested that the high stiff plate location into the shoe should be considered for running performance perspectives, but care should be taken to not alter the perceived comfort and/or increase injury risks.

Metabolic and performance responses of male runners wearing 3 types of footwear: Nike Vaporfly 4%, Saucony Endorphin racing flats, and their own shoes

“… 20 When matched for mass and controlling for other footwear features, shoes with a more compliant (i.e., more cushioned) and resilient (i.e., less energy loss) midsole can reduce oxygen cost by approximately 1%. 32 Similarly, inserting carbon fiber plates into midsoles to increase the longitudinal bending stiffness of footwear has also been shown to improve RE by approximately 1%, 33 although the location of the plate, 34 running speed, 35 and induced changes in running biomechanics 34 , 36 can influence this relationship. The “cost of cushioning” concept and energy return from the VP4 midsole—alongside the lighter shoe mass and stiffer midsole—likely underpin the 4.3%–4.8% reductions in oxygen consumption, energy cost, and energetics cost of transport compared to OWN across running intensities.…”

Prolonged Running Using Bionic Footwear Influences Lower Limb Biomechanics

“…This may reduce ankle joint activity in the frontal plane and horizontal plane during the stance phase, thereby shortening the force arm of ankle eversion and external rotation. Due to the significant changes in the ankle joint, the knee joint and hip joint will also be followed by compensatory alterations, less net knee and hip moments may avoid an early onset on fatigue during prolonged running sessions [34]. The bionic soles designed in this study may be used to increase neuromuscular strength, and to a certain extent enhance stability and proprioception.…”

Force Generation on the Hallux Is More Affected by the Ankle Joint Angle than the Lesser Toes: An In Vivo Human Study

“…The obtained results indicate that plantar-flexion torque of the MTPJs was generated in the ascending limb of the torque-angle relationship during sprinting. In a previous study, the high location of the stiff plate in the shoe induced more MTPJ dorsiflexion than the low location during running; it decreased the torques of the MTPJ and other joints of the leg during running, which could contribute to running performance [ 18 ]. Therefore, it may be advantageous not to limit the dorsiflexion of the MTPJ during running and sprinting.…”