PERCEIVED AND BIOMECHANICAL EFFECTS OF RUNNING SHOE CENTER OF GRAVITY SHIFTING IN AMATEUR MALE RUNNERS

Abstract

This study examined the influence of running shoe center of gravity relative position shifting forward and backward in sagittal axis on male amateur runners. Twenty-three adult male runners were recruited through social media with paid to participate in this study. The experimental shoe used was the Li Ning Feidian Challenger 3. Forward center of gravity (FCG), defined as the shoe center of gravity located at 10.8[Formula: see text]cm (15% before midpoint) from shoe toe to heel. Intermediate center of gravity (ICG), defined as the shoe center of gravity, is located at 14.8[Formula: see text]cm (midpoint) from shoe toe to heel. Backward center of gravity (BCG), defined as the shoe center of gravity, is located at 23.1[Formula: see text]cm (15% after midpoint) from shoe toe to heel. Questionnaire collection was used to assess the perception of the center of gravity shifting. Ground contact temporal, peak force/pressure of plantar and kinetics indicators data were simultaneously captured by motion capture system and force platform. Three participants (13.04%) correctly perceived the shoe center of gravity shifting forward and backward simultaneously. Shoes ICG peak force underneath Meta 1 increased significantly than BCG by 7.59% ([Formula: see text]). Shoes FCG peak force underneath Meta 2 decreased significantly compared to ICG and BCG by 13.62% and 8.96% ([Formula: see text]). Shoes BCG peak force underneath Meta 5 decreased significantly compared to ICG and FCG by 18.18% and 23.78% ([Formula: see text]). Shoes FCG peak pressure underneath Meta 2 decreased significantly compared to ICG and BCG by 13.02% and 9.19% ([Formula: see text]). Shoes FCG peak pressure underneath Meta 2 decreased significantly compared to ICG and BCG by 11.18% and 9.16% ([Formula: see text]). However, there are no significant differences in kinetic indicators. The findings suggest that a fraction of participants can correct perceived shoe center of gravity shifting. Shoes’ FCG reduces force and pressure in the middle metatarsal regions. Shoes’ BCG reduces force in the lateral and medial metatarsal region. Healthcare professionals can optimize the design of footwear accordingly to improve rehabilitation outcomes and reduce injury risks in runners.