Effects of Foot-Core Training on Foot-Ankle Kinematics and Running Kinetics in Runners: Secondary Outcomes From a Randomized Controlled Trial
Alessandra B. Matias, Ricky Watari, Ulisses T. Taddei, Paolo Caravaggi, Rafael S. Inoue, Raíssa Benocci Thibes, Eneida Yuri Suda, Marcus Fraga Vieira, Isabel de Camargo Neves Sacco
Abstract
This study investigated the effectiveness of an 8-week foot-core exercise training program on foot-ankle kinematics during running and also on running kinetics (impact loads), with particular interest in biomechanical outcomes considered risk factors for running-related injuries in recreational runners. A single-blind, randomized, controlled trial was conducted with 87 recreational runners randomly allocated to either the control (CG) or intervention (IG) group and assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks. The IG underwent foot-core training 3 times/week, while the CG followed a placebo lower-limb stretching protocol. The participants ran on a force-instrumented treadmill at a self-selected speed while foot-segment motion was captured simultaneously with kinetic measurements. After the intervention, there were statistically significant changed in foot biomechanics, such as: IG participants strike the ground with a more inverted calcaneus and a less dorsiflexed midfoot than those in the CG; at midstance, ran with a less plantarflexed and more adducted forefoot and a more abducted hallux; and at push-off, ran with a less dorsiflexed midfoot and a less adducted and more dorsiflexed hallux. The IG runners also had significantly decreased medial longitudinal arch excursion ( p = 0.024) and increased rearfoot inversion ( p = 0.037). The 8-week foot-core exercise program had no effect on impact ( p = 0.129) and breaking forces ( p = 0.934) or on vertical loading rate ( p = 0.537), but it was positively effective in changing foot-ankle kinematic patterns.”