The Influence of Heal Lift Manipulation on Sagittal Plane Kinematics in Running

Abstract

In this study sagittal plane joint angles of the lower extremity were used to obtain an indication of the influence of heel lift manipulation on Achilles tendon strain in running. The influence of increased heel lift on lower extremity kinematics was investigated for 8 heel striking subjects. With increased heel lift, all subjects demonstrated reductions in peak ankle dorsi-flexion and consistent values of peak knee flexion, indicating that there were reductions in peak Achilles tendon strain. Group analysis demonstrated that the reductions in peak ankle angle were statistically significant (p < .01). Typically, subjects also demonstrated adjustments in initial ankle angle, whereby the amount of ankle dorsi-flexion at initial ground contact was reduced with increased heel lift. Group mean data indicated that a 15-mm heel lift resulted in a mean decrease in initial ankle dorsi-flexion of 3.9°, while peak ankle dorsi-flexion was also reduced by 3.9°. It is suggested that the initial ankle angle adjustment acted to maintain a similar range of ankle joint movement in the period from initial ground contact to peak ankle dorsi-flexion across heel lift conditions. The distinct behavior of one subject, who demonstrated an increased ankle dorsi-flexion at ground impact, has highlighted the importance of considering single subject results in studies of footwear variation in running.