Kinematics And Muscle Activity While Running In Minimalist, Neutral, And Ultra-cushioning Shoes

2544 June 1 2

15 PM - 2

30 PM

While several studies have compared muscle activity in minimalist and traditional running shoes, to date it is unknown how muscle activity changes when running in ultra- cushioning shoes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate differences in kinematics and muscle activity while running in minimalist (Min), traditional (Trad), and ultra-cushioning (Ultra) shoes.

METHODS: Participants included 13 runners (sex: 5 M; 8 F; age: 22 ± 5.4 years). Whole body kinematics were recorded using a 12-camera motion capture system while participants ran in each shoe. Ankle, knee, and hip range of motion (ROM) during stance phase were calculated in all three planes. Muscle activity was recorded from seven lower extremity muscles. Differences in kinematics and average root mean square (RMS) amplitude during stance were evaluated using one-way repeated measures ANOVAs.

RESULTS: Mean values for variables with significant differences are shown in Table 1. Post hoc comparisons revealed hip internal rotation ROM was higher in the Ultra shoes than in either the Trad (p=.033) or Min (p=.047) shoes. Ankle dorsiflexion ROM was lower in the Ultra shoes than in either the Trad (p=.007) or Min (p=.038) shoes. Mean gluteus medius RMS was higher in the Ultra shoes than in either the Trad (p=.013) or Min (p= .017). Mean RMS for the tibialis anterior was also higher in the Ultra shoes than in either the Trad (p=.033) or Min (p=.029). Finally, mean RMS for the peroneus longus was higher in the Ultra shoes than the Trad shoes (p=.046).

CONCLUSION: The minor differences in kinematics suggest individuals maintained their preferred movement path in all three shoes. However, the increased muscle activity may indicate the neuromuscular system was working harder to maintain the preferred path in the Ultra shoes.

Table: No title available.