Biomechanical effects following footstrike pattern modification using wearable sensors

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Science
• Motor Control

Background:

• Footstrike pattern is a key determinant of running biomechanics.
• Modifying footstrike pattern may reduce injury risk and improve running economy.
• In-field, sensor-based gait retraining offers a practical approach to altering running form.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the biomechanical impact of an in-field sensor-based gait retraining program.
• To assess the effectiveness of modifying footstrike pattern during level, uphill, and downhill running.
• To analyze changes in footstrike angle, loading rate, stride length, cadence, and knee flexion.

Main Methods:

• Quasi-experimental design with 16 habitual rearfoot strikers.
• Baseline and post-retraining assessments on an instrumented treadmill.
• An 8-session program using real-time audio biofeedback for footstrike modification.
• Measurement of footstrike pattern, footstrike angle, vertical instantaneous loading rate (VILR), stride length, cadence, and knee flexion angle.

Main Results:

• 75% of participants modified their footstrike pattern during level running.
• Significant improvements observed in footstrike angle, VILR, and knee flexion during level and uphill running.
• Uphill running also showed reduced stride length and increased cadence.
• Downhill running demonstrated no significant change in VILR, despite other biomechanical alterations.

Conclusions:

• An 8-session in-field gait retraining program effectively altered footstrike patterns.
• Biomechanical adaptations to gait retraining were inconsistent across different running slopes.
• Further research is needed to optimize retraining strategies for varied terrain.