Adaptive Changes in Longitudinal Arch During Long-distance Running

Weiyan Ren, Yan Wang, Zhaoqi Yan, Zhaowei Chu, Fan Yang, Yih Kuen Jan, Jie Yao, Fang Pu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study investigates the biomechanical adaptations of the longitudinal arch (LA) in long-distance runners, focusing on changes in stiffness, angle, and moment during a 60-minute run. Twenty runners participated in this experiment, and were asked to run at a speed of 2.7 m·s-1 for 60 minutes. The kinematic and kinetic data collected at five-minute intervals during running were calculated, including the stiffness of LA in the loading phase (kload) and the stiffness of LA in the unloading phase (kunload), the maximum LA moment (Mmax), the range of LA angle change (∆θrange), and the maximum LA angle change (∆θmax). Foot morphology was also scanned before and after running. Variations of kinematic and kinetic data were analyzed throughout the running activity, as well as variations of foot morphology pre- and post-run. Results showed that there was a significant decrease in kload (p < 0.001), coupled with increases in ∆θrange (p = 0.002) and ∆θmax (p < 0.001), during the first 15 minutes of running, which was followed by a period of mechanical stability. No differences were found in kunload and Mmax throughout the running process and the foot morphology remained unchanged after running. These results highlight a critical adaptation phase that may be pivotal for improving running economy and performance.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1091-1098
Number of pages8
JournalInternational Journal of Sports Medicine
Volume45
Issue number14
Early online dateJul 31 2024
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 31 2024

Keywords

  • foot morphology
  • long-distance running
  • longitudinal arch angle
  • longitudinal arch moment
  • longitudinal arch stiffness

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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