Introduction

This summary is focussed on analysing a study that aimed to understand the different biomechanical alterations that different shoe types has on adolescent competitive runners. Therefore the main focus of this paper will consist largely of biomechanical analysis. This summary will focus on simplifying the scientific notions in order for the article to be interpreted by the general public.

Summary

Many of today’s running and athletic shoes focus on providing comfort as well as performance. However, a recent study suggests that the modern running shoes with heavily cushioned heels can alter an adolescent’s running biomechanics (kinematics). This study is titled; Adolescent runners: the effect of training shoes on running kinematics (Mullen & Toby, 2013), and was published in the Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics.

The study analysed twelve competitive adolescents who were recruited from local track teams. Each of the participants were asked to run on a treadmill in large heeled trainers, track flats and without any shoes (barefoot). Four different speed setting were used as their biomechanics (movements) were assessed via a motion capture system. The motion capture system simply dissects athlete’s movements into different phases in order to achieve a more accurate analysis. The participants stride length, heel high during swing phase and foot to ground contact were recorded and analysed.

The results suggested that the different of shoes types had obvious alterations on the running biomechanics of the participants. When the participants were wearing trainers, they often landed on their heels first (69.79%) of the time, at all speed levels. However, this was not the case for participants when they ran either barefoot or wearing track flats. When wearing track flats, the heel was only the first point of contact on the ground less than 35% of the time. When participants wore no shoes their heel was the first point of contact less than 30% of the time.

The article concluded that running biomechanics were significantly affected and altered by shoe type in competitive adolescents. Wearing heavily cushioned shoes encourages a heel strike pattern (first point of contact with the ground), whereas running in track flats or barefoot encourages mid-foot or front-foot contact with the ground. The authors addressed the point that their research only covers adolescents and those that are training to perform competitively. This means that the different biomechanical affects these shoe types have on adolescents who are still developing their running style or technique is unclear. The authors also addressed that the use of track spikes may also cause alterations to athletes running techniques.

Limitations

The main limitation to this study is that only 12 participants were chosen with the only characteristics shared being that they were all recruited from local track teams. There is an issue, as we do not know their age, gender or any other physical characteristics about the participants.  Not only that, but we don’t know how experience these athletes are. A track team has different levels of runners ranging from fully developed to partially undeveloped. This could be an issue as the majority of the athletes may already have a bad running technique or still be developing their technique. However, as stated before the author do suggest that they don’t have the data to analyse the affects different types of shoes may have on developing athletes. This

Conclusion

In conclusion the article presents interesting data in regards to the biomechanical alterations of using cushioned running shoes. By running on the heels of their feet, athletes increase the chances of both knee and hip injuries. This is partially related to the same injuries athletes get from running on hard surfaces. The reason is by running on your heels, your knee joint is almost fully extended, which means that the force generated each time you plant your foot will be directed back towards the joints in use (hips and knees). It will feel like a jolting movement, similar to if you tried to run with straight knees.

For a more in-depth biomechanical analysis please watch the video below:

 (Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrOgDCZ4GUo)

Scientific Journal Article:

Mullen, S., & Toby, E. B. (2013). Adolescent runners: the effect of training shoes on running kinematics. Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics, 33(4), 453-457.