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Int J Sports Med 2024; 45(14): 1091-1098
DOI: 10.1055/a-2362-1267
Orthopedics & Biomechanics

Adaptive Changes in Longitudinal Arch During Long-distance Running

Weiyan Ren‡
1   School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, China
,
Yan Wang‡
2   Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
,
Zhaoqi Yan
3   School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
,
Zhaowei Chu
4   Li Ning Sports Science Research Center, Li Ning Co Ltd, Beijing, China
,
Fan Yang
4   Li Ning Sports Science Research Center, Li Ning Co Ltd, Beijing, China
,
Yih-Kuen Jan 
5   Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, United States
,
Jie Yao
3   School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
6   Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
,
Fang Pu
3   School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
6   Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
› Author Affiliations Funding Information National Key Research and Development Program of China — http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100012166; 2023YFC3603700 National Natural Science Foundation of China — http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100001809; 11902089 12072019 Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities — http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100012226; YWF-23-YGQB-042
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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 (k load ) and the stiffness of LA in the unloading phase (k unload ), the maximum LA moment (M max ), the range of LA angle change (∆θ range ), and the maximum LA angle change (∆θ max ). 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 k load (p<0.001), coupled with increases in ∆θ range (p=0.002) and ∆θ max (p<0.001), during the first 15 minutes of running, which was followed by a period of mechanical stability. No differences were found in k unload and M max 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.

Keywords

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


Publication History

Received: 10 April 2024

Accepted: 01 July 2024

Article published online:
31 July 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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