Effects of unweighting and speed on in-shoe regional loading during running on a lower body positive pressure treadmill.
The purpose of this study was to determine how unweighted running on a lower body positive pressure treadmill (LBPPT) modifies in-shoe regional loading. Ten experienced runners were fit with pressure distribution measurement insoles and ran at 100%, 120%, and 140% of self-reported easy training pace on a LBPPT at 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% body weight percentage settings (BWSet). Speeds and BWSet were in random order. A linear mixed effect model (p<0.05 significance level) was used to compare differences in whole foot and regional maximum in-shoe plantar force (FMAX), impulse, and relative load distribution across speeds and BWSet. There were significant main effects (p<0.001) for running speed and BWSet for whole foot Fmax and impulse. The model revealed 1.4% and 0.24% increases in whole foot FMAX (times body weight) and impulse, respectively, for every unit increase in body weight percentage. There was a significant main effect for BWSet on Fmax and relative load (p<0.05) for each of the nine foot regions examined, though four regions were not different between 80% and 100% BWSet. There was a significant (p<0.001) main effect for BWSet on forefoot to rear foot relative load. Linear relationships were found between increases in BWSet and increases in-shoe Fmax and impulse, resulting from regional changes in foot pressure which represent a shift towards forefoot loading, most evident <80% BWSet. Estimating in-shoe regional loading parameters may be useful during rehabilitation and training to appropriately prescribe specific speed and body weight levels, without exceeding certain critical peak force levels while running.
Human Biomechanics and Physiology Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, High Point University, High Point, NC 27268, USA. Electronic address: jsmoliga@highpoint.edu.
James M
JM
Smoliga
Department of Exercise Science, High Point University, High Point, NC 27409, USA.
Leah Anne
LA
Wirfel
Department of Exercise Science, High Point University, High Point, NC 27409, USA.
Danielle
D
Paul
Department of Exercise Science, High Point University, High Point, NC 27409, USA.
Mary
M
Doarnberger
Human Biomechanics and Physiology Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, High Point University, High Point, NC 27268, USA.
Kevin R
KR
Ford
D000328:Adult; D056352:Athletes; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005080:Exercise Test; D005528:Foot / Q000502:physiology; D005545:Forefoot, Human / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D011312:Pressure; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D012775:Shoes; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D055815:Young Adult
Overuse injury rehabilitation; Running; Stress fracture; Treadmill; Unloading; Unweighting