The Effects of Cushioning Properties on Parameters of Gait in Habituated Females While Walking and Running
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Date
2025-01-23
Open Access Location
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Publisher
MDPI (Basel, Switzerland)
Rights
(c) 2025 The Author/s
CC BY 4.0
CC BY 4.0
Abstract
Featured Application: Understanding the interaction between running shoe properties and parameters of gait are somewhat scarce, particularly in female runners. This study demonstrates that contrasting energy absorption properties reduce kinetic variables associated with injuries in females while running, but not walking. The purpose of this study was to compare the mechanical properties of a non-cushioned minimalistic shoe and cushioned shoe during walking at 6 and running at 10 and 14 km∙h−1 in habituated female runners. Twelve habituated female runners completed two trials (cushioned shoe vs. minimalist shoe) with three within-trial speeds (6, 10, and 14 km∙h−1) in a counter-balanced design. Flexible pressure insole sensors were used to determine kinetic variables (peak vertical impact force, average loading rate, active vertical peak force, time to active peak vertical force, and impulse) and spatiotemporal variables (stride duration, cadence, ground contact time, swing time, and time to midstance). Cushioned running shoes exhibited greater energy absorption (690%), recovered energy (920%), and heat dissipation (350%). The cushioned shoes significantly reduced peak vertical impact (~12%) and average loading rate (~11%) at running speeds 10–14 km∙h−1. However, these effects were not observed during walking, nor did the cushioned shoes influence peak active force, impulse, stride duration, ground contact or swing time. Cushioned running shoes provide significant benefits in energy absorption, energy recovery, and heat dissipation, which decrease impact-related forces and loading rates in female runners without changing the spatiotemporal variables of gait.
Description
Keywords
gait, running, females, injury, ground reaction forces
Citation
Macdermid PW, Walker SJ, Cochrane D. (2025). The Effects of Cushioning Properties on Parameters of Gait in Habituated Females While Walking and Running. Applied Sciences (Switzerland). 15. 3.