Continuous Tracking of Foot Strike Pattern during a Maximal 800-Meter Run
Kathryn A Farina1,2, Alan R Needle2, Herman van Werkhoven2
1Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 10, 2021
Summary
Foot strike angle (FSA) changes during maximal running, with decreased FSA observed on curves. Continuous analysis of FSA reveals subtle running pattern shifts missed by discrete foot strike patterns (FSP).
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Science
- Running Mechanics
Background:
- Foot strike pattern (FSP) research is growing due to its impact on running performance and injury prevention.
- Understanding how FSP evolves during intense exercise is crucial for optimizing training and reducing injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze changes in foot strike patterns (FSP) during a maximal 800-meter run.
- To investigate the influence of running on a track's curves versus straight sections on FSP.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-one participants completed a maximal 800-meter run while wearing a conformable inertial measurement unit on their foot.
- Foot strike characteristics, including the percentage of rearfoot strikes (FSP%RF) and foot strike angle (FSA), were continuously assessed at 100-meter intervals.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found in the percentage of rearfoot strikes (FSP%RF) throughout the 800-meter run.
- A significant difference was observed in the average foot strike angle (FSA_AVE) between curve and straight intervals (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Participants exhibited a decreased foot strike angle (FSA) on curves compared to straight sections, suggesting increased plantarflexion.
- Continuous analysis of variables like FSA provides greater sensitivity to subtle changes in foot strike characteristics than discrete classifiers like FSP%RF.
