Biomechanical analysis of gait waveform data: exploring differences between shod and barefoot running in habitually shod runners

The role of footwear in improving running economy: a systematic review with meta-analysis of controlled trials

This systematic review aimed to explore the impact of different types of footwear and footwear characteristics on the running economy (RE) of long-distance runners and providing guidance for running enthusiasts and clinical practice. A comprehensive search of Web of Science, PubMed, SPORTDiscous, SCOPUS, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases from inception to April 2024 was performed. Trials evaluating the RE of adults participating in long-distance running included comparing different footwear characteristics. This review followed the PRISMA statement. Two reviewers screened titles and abstracts to make a relevant shortlist, then retrieved and evaluated full texts against inclusion criteria for eligibility. Two independent reviewers evaluated the methodological quality of each included analysis by employing the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale (PEDro scale). The standardized mean difference (SMD) for the results of RE studies in each study was calculated. Of the 1338 records retrieved, 26 studies were identified in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Limited evidence indicated that compared with shod running, barefoot running (SMD = - 0.50 [95% CI - 0.86, - 0.14], P = 0.006) and minimalist running (SMD = - 0.62 [95% CI - 0.83, - 0.42], P < 0.00001) had a positive impact on RE. Compared with barefoot running, minimalist running did not show a beneficial effect (SMD = 0.37 [95% CI - 0.07, 0.81], P = 0.10) on RE. Additionally, compared with the control condition, RE showed some improvement with increased footwear longitudinal bending stiffness (SMD = - 0.53 [95% CI - 0.90, - 0.17], P = 0.005) and cushioning (SMD = - 0.33 [95% CI - 0.61, 0.06], P = 0.02). However, compared with control, RE did not change with footwear comfort (SMD = - 0.11 [95% CI - 0.42, 0.21], P = 0.51). Barefoot running or minimalist running may be more economical than shod running, high longitudinal bending stiffness and high cushioning shoes could improve RE.

One-dimension statistical parametric mapping in lower limb biomechanical analysis: A systematic scoping review

BACKGROUND

Biomechanics significantly impacts sports performance and injury prevention. Traditional methods like discrete point analysis simplify continuous kinetic and kinematic data, while one-dimensional Statistical Parametric Mapping (spm1d) evaluates entire movement curves. Nevertheless, spm1d's application in sports and injury research is limited. As no systematic review exists, we conducted a scoping systematic review, synthesizing the current applications of spm1d across various populations, activities, and injuries. This review concludes by identifying gaps in the literature and suggesting areas for future research.

RESEARCH QUESTION

What research exists using spm1d in sports biomechanics, focusing on the lower limbs, in what populations, and what are the current research gaps?

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and ProQuest databases for the following search string: "(((knee) OR (hip)) OR (ankle)) OR (foot) OR (feet) AND (statistical parametric mapping)". English peer-reviewed studies assessing lower limb kinetics or kinematics in different sports or sports-related injuries were included. Reviews, meta-analyses, conference abstracts, and grey literature were excluded.

RESULTS

Our search yielded 165 papers published since 2012. Among these, 112 examined healthy individuals (67 %), and 53 focused on injured populations (33 %). Running (n = 45), cutting (n = 25), and jumping/landing (n = 18) were the most common activities. The predominant injuries were anterior cruciate ligament rupture (n = 21), chronic ankle instability (n = 18), and hip-related pain (n = 9). The main research gaps included the unbalanced populations, underrepresentation of common sports and sport-related injuries, gender inequality, a lack of studies in non-laboratory settings, a lack of studies on varied sports gear, and a lack of reporting standardization.

SIGNIFICANCE

This review spotlights crucial gaps in spm1d research within sports biomechanics. Key issues include a lack of studies beyond laboratory settings, underrepresentation of various sports and injuries, and gender disparities in research populations. Addressing these gaps can significantly enhance the application of spm1d in sports performance, injury analysis, and rehabilitation.

Investigation of Impact of Walking Speed on Forces Acting on a Foot-Ground Unit

Static and dynamic methods can be used to assess the way a foot is loaded. The research question is how the pressure on the feet would vary depending on walking/running speed. This study involved 20 healthy volunteers. Dynamic measurement of foot pressure was performed using the Ortopiezometr at normal, slow, and fast paces of walking. Obtained data underwent analysis in a “Steps” program. Based on the median, the power generated by the sensors during the entire stride period is the highest during a fast walk, whereas based on the average; a walk or slow walk prevails. During a fast walk, the difference between the mean and the median of the stride period is the smallest. Regardless of the pace of gait, the energy released per unit time does not depend on the paces of the volunteers’ gaits. Conclusions: Ortopiezometr is a feasible tool for the dynamic measurement of foot pressure. For investigations on walking motions, the plantar pressure analysis system, which uses the power generated on sensors installed in the insoles of shoes, is an alternative to force or energy measurements. Regardless of the pace of the walk, the amounts of pressure applied to the foot during step are similar among healthy volunteers.

Overhead throwing biomechanics in cricketers: The effect of a run-up approach

HighlightsThrowing arm motion is similar irrespective of the approach used by cricketers to throw.Throwing with a run-up produced increased angles of lumbo-pelvic and dominant hip flexion in various phases of the throwing cycle.Throwing with a run-up resulted in greater shoulder compression and posterior force at maximum external rotation.

The association between gird and overhead throwing biomechanics in cricket

The development of GIRD is a well-documented adaptation associated with repetitive overhead throwing in numerous sports. In occurrence with total rotational range of motion deficit, GIRD is considered pathological and increases shoulder injury risk. While cricketers demonstrate these deficits in rotational range; the association between GIRD and overhead throwing has yet to be explored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the relationship between GIRD and overhead throwing biomechanics in cricketers. Passive shoulder rotational range of motion was measured in 15 cricketers (elite = 8, amateur = 7). Kinetic and kinematic data were obtained during overhead throws from a stationary and run-up approach. Linear regression was used to determine potential relationships between GIRD and discrete shoulder kinetics for both throwing approaches. One-dimensional statistical parametric mapping regression was conducted to assess relationships between GIRD and throwing kinematics. When throwing overhead from a stationary position, GIRD was associated with reduced hip abduction during the preparatory arc (p = 0.002); superior shoulder (p = 0.003) and elbow compressive (p = 0.009) forces, at cocking. In addition, GIRD was associated with increased posterior shoulder force during arm deceleration for both stationary (p = 0.013) and run-up approaches (p = 0.03) to overhead throwing. Cricketers with GIRD utilise a shorter stride, creating early pelvic rotation and a slow throwing arm with an associated reduction in forces about the shoulder and elbow at cocking, when throwing from a stationary position. Further, overload of the posterior shoulder occurs during arm deceleration, irrespective of throwing approach. These findings highlight potential shoulder injury risk.

BIOMECHANICS OF SHOD AND BAREFOOT RUNNING: A LITERATURE REVIEW

ABSTRACT This study aims to analyze and summarize the biomechanical (kinematics, kinetics and neuromuscular) differences between shod and barefoot running, through a literature review. Searches were conducted for complete articles published between 2013 and November 2018 in the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and SPORTdiscus databases. The search terms used were Biomechanics, Kinetics, Kinematics, Electromyography, “Surface Electromyography”; and Unshod, Barefoot, Barefeet and Running. The search resulted in 687 articles; after excluding duplicates and selecting by title, abstract and full text, 40 articles were included in the review. The results show that there are important differences in the biomechanics of running when shod or barefoot. In general, studies indicate that in barefoot running: a) individuals present forefoot or midfoot foot strike patterns, while in shod running the typical pattern is the rearfoot strike; (b) greater cadence and shorter stride length are observed; and (c) there is greater knee flexion, lower peak vertical ground reaction force and greater activation of the medial gastrocnemius. In addition, barefoot runners contact the ground with greater plantar flexion, possibly as a strategy to reduce impact when stepping without footwear. These differences, as well as runners’ individual characteristics, should be considered in the prescription of the barefoot running, in order to minimize injuries resulting from the practice. Level of Evidence II; Review.