title: Effect of cushioned insoles on impact forces during running.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The use of cushioned or shock-absorbing insoles has been suggested as a mechanism to reduce the impact forces associated with running, thereby protecting against overuse injuries. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the use of cushioned insoles reduced impact forces during running in healthy subjects.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen recreational runners (9 females and 7 males) ran at a self-selected pace for five trials with and without the use of cushioned insoles. During each trial, ground reaction forces, tibial accelerations, lower-extremity kinematics, and subject-perceived comfort were recorded. All variables were tested with the level of statistical significance set at alpha = .05.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The use of cushioned insoles resulted in significant reductions in mean vertical ground reaction force peak impact (6.8%) and ground reaction force loading rate (8.3%), as well as peak tibial acceleration (15.8%). Spectral analysis of the tibial acceleration data in the frequency range associated with impact accelerations (12-25 Hz) revealed no change in the predominant frequency or the power of the predominant frequency. The knee flexion angle at initial contact and perceived comfort were similar for the two conditions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study demonstrates the effectiveness of one type of cushioned insole in reducing peak impact force and tibial acceleration at initial foot-ground contact during running. The impact reduction observed was independent of knee kinematic adjustments or changes in perceived comfort. Further study is required to determine whether the reduction in loading that accompanied the use of the cushioned insoles can affect the incidence of running-related injuries.
authors.affiliation: Sports Rehabilitation Clinic, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, USA.
authors.forename: Katherine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: O'Leary
authors.forename: Kristin Anderson
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Vorpahl
authors.forename: Bryan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Heiderscheit
mesh_terms: D000054:Acceleration; D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D012775:Shoes; D013977:Tibia / Q000502:physiology