Changes in running biomechanics and performances of runners with knee pain after a 4-week midfoot strike training program Wing-Kai Lam1,2*, Ji-Xiang Chen3, Bob Chen4 1Li
Ning Sports Science Research Center, Beijing, China
3Yangzhou 4Dr
2Department
of Kinesiology, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang, China Dr.Chen Sports Training and Rehabilitation Center, Yangzhou, China
Chen Sports and Rehabilitation Center, Beijing, China
INTRODUCTION
RESULTS
• Landing pattern is a key risk factor of patellofemoral pain in running (Cheung & Davis, 2011; Lieberman et al., 2010)
• After training program, participants delayed pain onset time and distance and perceived lower pain score during 5-km run (p < 0.05)
• Midfoot strike landing may be an optimal landing pattern for injury prevention (Cheung & Davis, 2011)
• COP showed more anterior-shift and time-spent in midfoot, but shorter time reached to mid-foot region (p < 0.05)
• Gait retraining is suggested for injured runners, but scientific guideline is not well established. • This study examined if a 4-wk midfoot strike training would decrease knee pain and improve running performance in knee-pain runners
METHODS
• Smaller footstrike angle and larger initial hip, knee and ankle angles (p < 0.05)
• 21 recreational runners with bilateral knee pain performed running and perception tests before and after the 4-wk midfoot strike training • Heel+Midfoot cushioning shoes provided maximum protection during training
Figure 1: Strike transition shoe
Offer Heel+Midfoot cushioning pads
Baseline - Kinematic and pressure variables at 4.0 m/s & 2.8 m/s - Pain and performance variables in 5-km road test
Midfoot Strike training 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Active stretch (s1-9) Glute activation (s2-4) (modified by Daoud et al. 2012) Coordinating (s3-5) Fast walking (s4) Road running (s5-7) 5-km variable speed run (s6-8) 5-km road run
Post-training - Kinematic and pressure variables at 4.0 m/s & 2.8 m/s - Pain and performance variables in 5-km road test
• Paired t-test was performed to study the training effect on kinematic, COP, pain scores and running performance variables. Alpha level was set at 0.05
DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION • Smaller footstrike angle, larger initial flexion joint angles and closer midfoot COP indicate the efficacy of midfoot strike training program • Midfoot running technique can reduce the knee pain and increase pain free distance running • Midfoot running technique together with Heel+Midfoot cushioned shoe can be rehabilitation options for runners with knee pain
REFERENCES [1] Cheung, R.T.H. et al. (2011). J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, 41, p914 [2] Lieberman, D.E. et al. (2010). Nature, 463 p531 [3] Daoud, A.L., et al. (2012). Med Sci Sports Exerc, 44 p1325 *Contact person: Dr. Gilbert Lam E-mail:
[email protected]
