The effect of minimalist, maximalist and energy return footwear of equal mass on running economy and substrate utilization

The aim of the current study was to explore the effects of minimalist, maximalist and energy return footwear of equal mass on economy and substrate utilisation during steady state running. Ten male runners completed 6 min steady state runs in minimalist, maximalist and energy return footwear. The mass of the footwear was controlled by adding lead tape to the lighter shoes. Running economy, shoe comfort, rating of perceived exertion and % contribution of carbohydrate to total calorie expenditure were assessed. Participants also subjectively indicated which shoe condition they preferred for running. Differences in shoe comfort and physiological parameters were examined using paired samples t-tests, whilst shoe preferences were tested using a chi-square test. The results showed firstly that running economy was significantly improved in the energy return (35.9 ml∙kg/min) compared to minimalist footwear (37.8 ml∙kg/min). In addition % carbohydrate was significantly greater in the minimalist (76.4%) in comparison to energy return footwear (72.9%). As running economy was improved and carbohydrate utilisation reduced in the energy return in comparison to minimalist footwear, the current investigation shows that these footwear are more economical when shoe mass is controlled

Effects of minimalist and maximalist footwear on Achilles tendon load in recreational runners

The current investigation aimed to comparatively examine the effects of minimalist, maximalist and conventional footwear on Achilles tendon forces (ATF) during running. Twelve male runners (age 23.11±5.01 years, height 1.78±0.10 cm and body mass 77.13±7.89 kg) ran at 4.0 m/s in the three footwear conditions. ATF’s were calculated using Opensim software allowing the magnitudal and temporal aspects of the ATF to be quantified. Differences between footwear were examined using one-way repeated measures ANOVA. The results showed the peak ATF was significantly larger in minimalist footwear (5.97±1.38 body weight (BW)) compared to maximalist (5.07±1.42 BW). In addition it was revealed that ATF per mile was significantly larger in minimalist (492.31±157.72 BW) in comparison to both maximalist (377.31±148.06 BW) and conventional (402.71±125.51 BW) footwear. Given the relationship between high ATF and Achilles tendon degradation, the current investigation indicated that minimalist footwear may increase runners risk for Achilles tendon injury

Sex differences in limb and joint stiffnes in recreational runners

Purpose. Female runners are known to be at greater risk from chronic running injuries than age-matched males, although the exact mechanisms are often poorly understood. The aim of the current investigation was to determine if female recreational runners exhibit distinct limb and joint stiffness characteristics in relation to their male counterparts. Methods. Fourteen male and fourteen female runners ran over a force platform at 4.0 m · s–1. Lower limb kinematics were collected using an eight-camera optoelectric motion capture system operating at 250 Hz. Measures of limb and joint stiffness were calculated as a function of limb length and joint moments divided by the extent of limb and joint excursion. All stiffness and joint moment parameters were normalized to body mass. Sex differences in normalized limb and knee and ankle joint stiffness were examined statistically using independent samples t tests. Results. The results indicate that normalized limb (male = 0.18 ± 0.07, female = 0.37 ± 0.10 kN · kg · m–1) and knee stiffness (male = 5.59 ± 2.02, female = 7.34 ± 1.78 Nm · kg · rad–1) were significantly greater in female runners. Conclusions. On the basis that normalized knee and limb stiffness were shown to be significantly greater in female runners, the findings from the current investigation may provide further insight into the aetiology of the distinct injury patterns observed between sexes

Influence of a knee brace intervention on perceived pain and patellofemoral loading in recreational athletes

Background: The current investigation aimed to investigate the effects of an intervention using knee bracing on pain symptoms and patellofemoral loading in male and female recreational athletes. Methods: Twenty participants (11 males & 9 females) with patellofemoral pain were provided with a knee brace which they wore for a period of 2 weeks. Lower extremity kinematics and patellofemoral loading were obtained during three sport specific tasks, jog, cut and single leg hop. In addition their self-reported knee pain scoreswere examined using the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. Datawere collected before and after wearing the knee brace for 2 weeks. Findings: Significant reductions were found in the run and cut movements for peak patellofemoral force/pressure and in all movements for the peak knee abduction moment when wearing the brace. Significant improvements were also shown for Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score subscale symptoms (pre: male= 70.27, female = 73.22 & post: male = 85.64, female = 82.44), pain (pre: male = 72.36, female = 78.89 & post: male = 85.73, female = 84.20), sport (pre: male = 60.18, female = 59.33 & post: male = 80.91, female =79.11), function and daily living (pre: male = 82.18, female = 86.00 & post: male = 88.91, female = 90.00) and quality of life (pre: male= 51.27, female= 54.89 & post: male= 69.36, female= 66.89). Interpretation:Male and female recreational athleteswho suffer frompatellofemoral pain can be advised to utilise knee bracing as a conservative method to reduce pain symptoms

Effects of semi-custom and off-the-shelf orthoses on Achilles tendon and patellofemoral kinetics in female runners

Background The aim of the current investigation was to examine the effects of semi-custom and off-the-shelf orthotics on the loads experienced by the patellofemoral joint and the Achilles tendon in female runners. Material/Methods Twelve female recreational runners ran at 4.0 m.s 1 whilst wearing no orthotics, semi-custom orthotics and off-the-shelf orthotics. Kinetics and kinematics of running were obtained via a force platform and a motion capture system. Differences between orthotic conditions were contrasted using one-way repeated measures ANOVA. Results The results showed that both patellofemoral contact force and pressure were significantly lower in the no-orthotic (force = 3.21 B.W & pressure = 8.18 MPa) condition in comparison to the off-the-shelf (force = 3.60 MPa & pressure = 9.07 B.W) and semi-custom orthoses (force = 3.69 B.W & pressure = 9.30 MPa). Conclusions The current investigation indicates that foot orthoses such as those examined in the current investigation may place female runners at increased risk from patellofemoral disorders, although future prospective research is required before this can be substantiated

The effects of shoe temperature on the kinetics and kinematics of running

The aim of the current investigation was to examine the effects of cooled footwear on the kinetics and kinematics of running in comparison to footwear at normal temperature. Twelve participants ran at 4.0 m/s ± 5% in both cooled and normal temperature footwear conditions over a force platform. Two identical footwear were worn, one of which was cooled for 30 min. Lower extremity kinematics were obtained using a motion capture system and tibial accelerations were measured using a triaxial accelerometer. Differences between cooled and normal footwear temperatures were contrasted using paired samples t-tests. The results showed that midsole temperature (cooled = 4.21 °C and normal = 23.25 °C) and maximal midsole deformation during stance (cooled = 12.85 mm and normal = 14.52 mm) were significantly reduced in the cooled footwear. In addition, instantaneous loading rate (cooled = 186.21 B.W/s and normal = 167.08 B W/s), peak tibial acceleration (cooled = 12.75 g and normal = 10.70 g) and tibial acceleration slope (cooled = 478.69 g/s and normal = 327.48 g/s) were significantly greater in the cooled footwear. Finally, peak eversion (cooled = −10.57 ° and normal = −7.83°) and tibial internal rotation (cooled = 10.67 ° and normal = 7.77°) were also shown to be significantly larger in the cooled footwear condition. This study indicates that running in cooled footwear may place runners at increased risk from the biomechanical parameters linked to the aetiology of injuries

The influence ofsemi-customorthoses on multi-segment foot kinematics in males

The current investigation aimed to investigate the influence of semi-custom orthoses on multi-segment foot kinematics and plantar fascia strain in recreational runners. Fifteen male runners ran at 4.0 m.s-1 with and without orthotics. Multi-segment foot kinematics and plantar fascia strain were obtained using a 3D motion capture system. Differences between orthotic and no-orthotic conditions were examined using paired samples t-tests. The results showed firstly that orthoses did not significantly (p>0.05) improve plantar fascia strain. Relative transverse plane ROM rearfoot-tibia articulation was however significantly (p<0.05) reduced when wearing orthotics. This indicates that there may be some benefit from orthotic intervention. However, the mean reduction in angulation between orthotic and no-orthotic conditions was very small and thus further prospective investigations regarding the clinical efficacy of semi-custom orthoses are required

Determining the ideal mattress firmness based on anthropometric measurements

Introduction: Mattresses need to provide enough support to keep spinal alignment close to a neutral posture, whilst minimising muscle activity and providing optimum pressure relief. There is limited evidence to sug­gest that a 'one size fits all' mattress provides the appropriate support for individuals with diverse body shapes, so a greater understanding of how different mattresses affect the human body is key. By having a more objective approach to choosing a mattress an individual may have an improved quality of sleep. Materials and methods: A ten-camera infrared movement analysis sys­tem recorded the movement of retro-reflective markers placed on the Upper-Mid Thoracic, Mid-Lower Thoracic, Lower Thoracic-Upper Lumbar, Upper-Lower Lumbar and Lower Lumbar-Pelvic areas of the spine. A static image of the spine was taken in a standing position and was used to define each individual's neutral posture. Deviations away from this neutral po­sition were assessed under three different conditions in side lying. Three visually identical mattresses were tested, internally each mattress con­tained a different firmness of spring unit (soft, medium, firm) with an identical gel foam comfort layer. In addition, height, weight, shoulder width and hip circumference measurements were taken to determine differences in body types. Results: Spinal alignment was assessed on 59 healthy participants and no significant differences were seen between the different mattress config­urations. However, further analysis showed significant differences in spi­nal alignment between the different mattress conditions within different body shape subgroups. Subgroups were defined using body weight, height, BMI, shoulder width and hip circumference. Those with a higher body weight had a more neutral spinal alignment when on a firmer mattress, whereas those with a lower body weight were better suited to a softer mattress. Shorter people were better aligned on a softer mattress, and a medium mattress kept the spine in a more neutral position amongst taller people. There were no differentiating factors between shoulder width or BMI groups. However, those with a larger hip circumference had signifi­cantly greater spinal deviations when on a softer mattress. implying that a softer mattress should be avoided by this subgroup. Conclusions: This study suggests that a ·one size fits all' approach to mattresses may not be appropriate. Contrasting body types need different levels of support to improve overall spinal alignment, allowing the inter­vertebral disc to re-hydrate, and spinal muscles to relax throughout the night. The use of simple anthropometric measurements could make the selection of the most appropriate mattress easier for the general public. Acknowledgements: This is part of an Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership between the University of Central Lancashire and Silentnight Group Ltd

How does a (Smart) Age-Friendly Ecosystem Look in a Post-Pandemic Society?

COVID-19 has impacted not only the health of citizens, but also the various factors that make up our society, living environments, and ecosystems. This pandemic has shown that future living will need to be agile and flexible to adapt to the various changes in needs of societal populations. Digital technology has played an integral role during COVID-19, assisting various sectors of the community, and demonstrating that smart cities can provide opportunities to respond to many future societal challenges. In the decades ahead, the rise in aging populations will be one of these challenges, and one in which the needs and requirements between demographic cohorts will vary greatly. Although we need to create future smart age-friendly ecosystems to meet these needs, technology still does not feature in the WHO eight domains of an age-friendly city. This paper extends upon Marston and van Hoof’s ‘Smart Age-friendly Ecosystem’ (SAfE) framework, and explores how digital technology, design hacking, and research approaches can be used to understand a smart age-friendly ecosystem in a post-pandemic society. By exploring a series of case studies and using real-life scenarios from the standpoint of COVID-19, we propose the ‘Concept of Age-friendly Smart Ecologies (CASE)’ framework. We provide an insight into a myriad of contemporary multi-disciplinary research, which are capable to initiate discussions and bring various actors together with a positive impact on future planning and development of age-friendly ecosystems. The strengths and limitations of this framework are outlined, with advantages evident in the opportunity for towns, regions/counties, provinces, and states to take an agile approach and work together in adopting and implement improvements for the greater benefits of residents and citizens