Effects of a prolonged distance run on plantar vibration perception

During a half marathon, the foot is exposed to prolonged repetitive mechanical loading, which may affect plantar mechanosensory function. This study investigated changes in whole-foot vibration perception threshold (WF-VPT) after a half marathon. Using a pre-post-design, 23 recreational runners participated. Overall, data from 20 participants were analysed after three participants were excluded as outliers. WF-VPT were assessed, after 10-min acclimatization period at room temperature, before and after the half-marathon using a vibration exciter platform at 30 and 200 Hz. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests showed a significant increase in WF-VPT at 30 Hz (p = 0.02) and a significant decrease in WF-VPT at 200 Hz (p = 0.001). At 30 Hz, the median (interquartile range) WF-VPT increased from 1.77 (1.50-2.36) µm before exercise to 2.08 (1.87-2.83) µm after the half marathon. In contrast, at 200 Hz WF-VPT decreased from 0.09 (0.08-0.12) µm to 0.06 (0.04-0.10) µm. Furthermore, linear mixed-effects models assessed the effects of age, plantar temperature, and gender on WF-VPT at 30 and 200 Hz. Only age showed a significant positive association with WF-VPT at both frequencies. The frequency-specific changes in WF-VPT may be associated with differential contributions of mechanosensory pathways involved in low- and high-frequency vibration perception. Differences in the structural and functional properties of these pathways may influence how they respond to mechanical stimulation and running-related loading.