Effects of Footwear Selection on Plantar Pressure and Neuromuscular Characteristics during Jump Rope Training

This study examined what footwear type influenced plantar pressure and lower extremity muscle activations in jump rope training. Ten healthy physical-education graduate students participated in this study. The biomechanical parameters during the jump rope training were collected by an AMTI force platform, a Novel Pedar-X insole and a wireless electromyography (EMG) system. The results of the force platform indicate that vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) and contact time were much higher in the one-leg landing (both p = 0.001). The GRF, GRF (BW) and Lat MF pressure were significantly greater in the one-leg landing (p = 0.018, 0.013 and 0.027); the pressure of the Lat MF and H area were significantly greater in the volleyball shoe (p = 0.025, 0.031); the pressure of the Mid FF and Lat FF area were significantly greater in the jumping shoe (p = 0.005, 0.042). No significant difference in EMG was found between footwear and landing conditions. In summary, the running shoe and jumping shoe might be a better choice for people who exercise. However, the running shoe is recommended for people when both jumping and running are required.