Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology (Apr 2022)

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

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

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2022.890428
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10

Abstract

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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.”

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