Effects of Foot-Core Training on Foot-Ankle Kinematics and Running Kinetics in Runners: Secondary Outcomes From a Randomized Controlled Trial

Author(s)

Matias, Alessandra B. ; Watari, Ricky ; Taddei, Ulisses T. ; Caravaggi, Paolo ; Inoue, Rafael S. ; Thibes, Raissa B. ; Suda, Eneida Y. ; Vieira, Marcus F. ; Sacco, Isabel C. N.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY; v. 10, p. 16-pg., 2022-04-14.

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of an 8-week foot-core exercise training program on foot-ankle kinematics during running and also on running kinetics (impact loads), with particular interest in biomechanical outcomes considered risk factors for running-related injuries in recreational runners. A single-blind, randomized, controlled trial was conducted with 87 recreational runners randomly allocated to either the control (CG) or intervention (IG) group and assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks. The IG underwent foot-core training 3 times/week, while the CG followed a placebo lower-limb stretching protocol. The participants ran on a force-instrumented treadmill at a self-selected speed while foot-segment motion was captured simultaneously with kinetic measurements. After the intervention, there were statistically significant changed in foot biomechanics, such as: IG participants strike the ground with a more inverted calcaneus and a less dorsiflexed midfoot than those in the CG; at midstance, ran with a less plantarflexed and more adducted forefoot and a more abducted hallux; and at push-off, ran with a less dorsiflexed midfoot and a less adducted and more dorsiflexed hallux. The IG runners also had significantly decreased medial longitudinal arch excursion (p = 0.024) and increased rearfoot inversion (p = 0.037). The 8-week foot-core exercise program had no effect on impact (p = 0.129) and breaking forces (p = 0.934) or on vertical loading rate (p = 0.537), but it was positively effective in changing foot-ankle kinematic patterns." (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/15449-4 - Biomechanical and functional aspects of the musculoskeletal system of runners: chronic effects of therapeutic exercise and aging
• Grantee: Eneida Yuri Suda
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 17/26844-1 - Running in minimal footwear, partial minimal and barefoot: joint kinetics and loading rates patterns
• Grantee: Alessandra Bento Matias
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 16/17077-4 - Effects of a foot and ankle complex strengthening program on the occurrence of injuries and biomechanics in long distance runners: a controlled, randomized clinical trial
• Grantee: Alessandra Bento Matias
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 15/14810-0 - Biomechanical and functional aspects of the musculoskeletal system of runners: chronic effects of therapeutic exercise and aging
• Grantee: Isabel de Camargo Neves Sacco
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/23975-8 - Biomechanical study of the foot and ankle kinematics of runners: scientific collaboration and student coorientation
• Grantee: Isabel de Camargo Neves Sacco
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• FAPESP's process: 19/19291-1 - Biomechanical and functional aspects of the musculoskeletal system of runners: chronic effects of therapeutic exercise and aging
• Grantee: Ricky Watari
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral