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A kinematic method for footstrike pattern detection in barefoot and shod runners
Allison R Altman1, Irene S Davis
1Biomechanics and Movement Science Program, 301 McKinly Lab, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA. aaltman@udel.edu
Gait & Posture
|November 15, 2011
Summary
Quantifying running footstrike patterns is crucial. This study found that footstrike angle, a kinematic measure, accurately estimates the strike index (SI) without needing force plates.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Science
- Running Mechanics
Background:
- Running footstrike patterns are visually classified as rearfoot, midfoot, or forefoot strikes.
- Quantifying footstrike patterns on a continuum requires force plate data to calculate the strike index (SI).
- An accessible method is needed to measure footstrike patterns when force data are unavailable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the continuum of running footstrike patterns using an easily obtainable kinematic measure.
- To compare this kinematic measure with the established strike index (SI).
- To determine if kinematic data can estimate strike index in the absence of force plate data.
Main Methods:
- Collected force and kinematic data from twenty subjects during running.
- Recorded four running conditions: rearfoot strike, midfoot strike, forefoot strike, and barefoot.
- Calculated the strike index (SI) using force plate data and footstrike angle from kinematic data.
Main Results:
- A significant correlation was found between footstrike angle and strike index (SI).
- A linear regression model demonstrated that footstrike angle can accurately estimate SI.
- This estimation is valid for both barefoot and shod running conditions.
Conclusions:
- Footstrike angle is a reliable kinematic measure for quantifying running footstrike patterns on a continuum.
- This method allows for accurate estimation of the strike index (SI) without force plate data.
- The findings offer a practical alternative for analyzing running biomechanics in diverse settings.
