Increasing preferred step rate during running reduces plantar pressures.

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Medicine
• Running Science

Background:

• Increasing step rate is a common strategy for managing running-related injuries.
• Understanding the impact of step rate on plantar pressures is crucial for injury prevention and rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of varying step rates on plantar pressure distribution during running.
• To determine the optimal step rate adjustments for reducing plantar pressures in runners.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-two healthy runners participated in the study.
• Plantar pressure data were collected using the pedar-X in-shoe system at five different step rates (preferred, ±5%, ±10%).

Main Results:

• A 10% increase in step rate significantly reduced peak pressure and maximum force at the rearfoot and midfoot.
• A 10% decrease in step rate significantly increased rearfoot peak pressure and maximum force.
• No significant changes in plantar pressures were observed at the forefoot or with 5% step rate alterations.

Conclusions:

• Increasing running step rate by 10% can effectively reduce plantar pressures in the rearfoot and midfoot.
• Decreasing step rate by 10% exacerbates rearfoot plantar pressures.
• Step rate modifications of 5% do not significantly alter plantar pressure distribution.