Foot Orthosis in Running

Abstract Foot orthosis is a popular strategy for runners aiming to reduce the injury risk and improve performance in running. Companies of foot orthosis claim for a high number of benefits, however, the literature is controversy in many aspects and there are not systematic results because of the use of them. The aim of this chapter is, firstly, to introduce the reader about the concept of foot orthosis and its different definitions and types. Secondly, to show the most important scientific literature about its biomechanical and physiological effects during running. These biomechanical and physiological effects were divided into the following sections in order to be clear for the reader: kin…

Pre-exercise skin temperature evolution is not related with 100 m front crawl performance

During the transition between warm-up and competition there is a change in core, muscle and (eventually) skin temperature that may affect swimming performance. We have aimed to assess skin temperature evolution during transition phases of different durations before a typical front crawl effort and to investigate its relationship with performance. Following a standardized warm-up, nine adolescent male swimmers performed three maximal randomized 100 m maximum front crawl trials after 10, 20 and 45 min transition phases. Skin temperature, performance (time, stroke frequency, length and index, and propelling efficiency), heart rate, lactate and perceived effort were assessed. Data showed a skin…

Effect of prefabricated thermoformable foot orthoses on plantar surface temperature after running: A gender comparison.

Abstract There is a lack of evidence about the effect of different type of foot orthoses on plantar surface temperature. Moreover, that effect could be different depending on gender due to anatomical and physiological differences between men and women. The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of a prefabricated thermoformable foot orthosis on plantar surface temperature after running and taking gender differences into account. Thirty recreational runners (15 males, mean (standard deviation): 28 (7) years, 69.7 (6.5) kg, 1.74 (0.05) cm and 22.9 (1.7) kg/m2; and 15 females: 35 (7) years, 55.2 (6.9) kg, 1.63 (0.06) cm and 20.6 (1.9) kg/m2) carried out a maximum incremental test as pre-te…

Effect of in-class group clicker-quiz competition on student final exam performance.

Preliminary study of the neuromuscular activation during barefoot and shod running

El objetivo del presente estudio preliminar fue comparar la actividad muscular de los músculos tibial anterior, peroneo lateral largo, gastrocnemio medial y gastrocnemio lateral entre la carrera con y sin calzado, y la influencia de la fatiga. 7 participantes realizaron una carrera de fatiga de 20 minutos al 75% de su velocidad aeróbica máxima en cinta con 1% de pendiente. Se midió la actividad mioeléctrica de los músculos antes mencionados tanto antes como después de la prueba de fatiga en dos condiciones: con calzado y sin calzado. Los resultados mostraron una mayor actividad del tibial anterior durante la carrera en fatiga descalzo respecto a la carrera calzado y una mayor actividad del …

Impact of texture TDS and flavour TDS tasks and of chocolate-chip biscuit characteristics on oral processing features

The objective of the present study was to investigate differences in oral activity when biscuits of the same type but with subtle composition differences are consumed and how performing a Temporal Dominance of Sensations (TDS) task modifies the way one eats. In addition, comparisons were made between performing a texture TDS (T-TDS) and a flavour TDS (F-TDS). Oral activity while eating biscuits with and without conducting a TDS task was recorded using a 3.dimensional motion capture system to monitor the evolution of jaw movements. The results showed that oral activity evolved over the consumption time, differed depending on the texture of the sample and was affected to a small but significa…

Validation of ThermoHuman automatic thermographic software for assessing foot temperature before and after running

The aim of the study was to evaluate an automatic thermographic software package (ThermoHuman®) for assessing skin temperature on the soles of the feet before and after running and to compare it with two manual definitions of the regions of interest (ROIs). 120 thermal images of the soles of the feet of 30 participants, at two measurement points (before and after running 30 min) and on two measurement days were analyzed. Three different models of thermographic image analyses were used to obtain the mean temperature of 9 ROIs: A) ThermoHuman (automatic definition of ROIs using ThermoHuman® software), B) Manual (manual delimitation of ROIs by proportion criteria), and C) Manual-TH (manual del…

Initiating running barefoot: Effects on muscle activation and impact accelerations in habitually rearfoot shod runners

Runners tend to shift from a rearfoot to a forefoot strike pattern when running barefoot. However, it is unclear how the first attempts at running barefoot affect habitually rearfoot shod runners. Due to the inconsistency of their recently adopted barefoot technique, a number of new barefoot-related running injuries are emerging among novice barefoot runners. The aim of this study was therefore to analyse the influence of three running conditions (natural barefoot [BF], barefoot with a forced rearfoot strike [BRS], and shod [SH]) on muscle activity and impact accelerations in habitually rearfoot shod runners. Twenty-two participants ran at 60% of their maximal aerobic speed while foot strik…

Acute Effects on Impact Accelerations Running with Objects in the Hand

Amateur runners usually run carrying implements in their hands (keys, a mobile phone, or a bottle of water). However, there is a lack of literature about the effects of different handloads on impact accelerations. Thus, this study aimed to analyse the effects of carrying different objects in the hand on impact accelerations during running. Nineteen male recreational runners (age 24.3 ± 6.8 years, training volume of 25 ± 7.38 km/week) performed twenty minutes of running on a treadmill at 2.78 m/s with four different conditions: no extra weight, with keys, with a mobile phone, and with a bottle of water. Impact acceleration and spatio-temporal parameters were analysed through a wireless triax…

Efectos de los soportes plantares sobre la termorregulación de las plantas de los pies durante la carrera

Accésit Congreso SIBB 2015 Existe una gran controversia acerca de si el uso de soportes plantares puede reducir el riesgo de padecer lesiones por sobreuso en corredores. Se ha observado una relación entre las cargas plantares y la temperatura superficial de los pies, por lo que el tipo de soporte plantar podría afectar a la temperatura de la planta del pie. El objetivo del estudio fue, analizar los efectos de los soportes plantares en la temperatura superficial, así como en la simetría térmica, de las plantas de los pies tras la carrera. 12 corredores entrenados realizaron 3 test de 30 minutos de carrera (10 de calentamiento y 20 de prueba al 80% de su Velocidad Aeróbica Máxima) con soporte…

Effect of custom-made and prefabricated foot orthoses on kinematic parameters during an intense prolonged run

Foot orthoses are one of the most used strategies by healthy runners in injury prevention and performance improvement. However, their effect on running kinematics throughout an intense prolonged run in this population is unknown. Moreover, there is some controversy regarding the use of custom-made versus prefabricated foot orthoses. This study analysed the effect of different foot orthoses (custom-made, prefabricated and a control condition) on spatio-temporal and angular (knee flexion and foot eversion) kinematic parameters and their behaviour during an intense prolonged run. Twenty-four recreational runners performed three similar tests that consisted of running 20 min on a treadmill at 8…

Effects of different hydration supports on stride kinematics, comfort, and impact accelerations during running.

Background: Different supports for hydration can influence total body mass and affect running biomechanics. Research question: Do different hydration supports affect the perceived exertion and comfort, stride kinematics, and impact accelerations during running?. Methods: This was a crossover study design. Thirteen trail runners completed a treadmill running test divided into four different durations and randomized hydration supports conditions, lasting 8 min each at moderate intensity: A) waist bag (0.84 kg); B) medium load backpack (0.84 kg); C) full load backpack (3.40 kg); and D) a control condition without water support. Impact accelerations were measured for 30 s in 4, 6, and 8 min. Th…

Chronic and Acute Effects on Skin Temperature from a Sport Consisting of Repetitive Impacts from Hitting a Ball with the Hands.

Valencian handball consists in hitting the ball with the hands and it may contribute to injury development on the hands. This study aimed to analyze skin temperature asymmetries and recovery after a cold stress test (CST) in professional players of Valencian handball before and after a competition. Thirteen professional athletes and a control group of ten physically active participants were measured. For both groups, infrared images were taken at the baseline condition; later they underwent a thermal stress test (pressing for 2 min with the palm of the hand on a metal plate) and then recovery images were taken. In athletes, the images were also taken after their competition. Athletes at bas…

Impact accelerations during a prolonged run using a microwavable self-customised foot orthosis

The use of custom-made foot orthoses has been associated with numerous benefits, such as decreased impact accelerations. However, it is not known whether this effect could be due to better customisation. The present study analysed the effects of the first generation of  a microwavable prefabricated self-customised foot orthosis vs. a prefabricated standard one on impact accelerations throughout a prolonged run. Thirty runners performed two tests of 30-min running on a treadmill, each one with an orthosis condition. Impact acceleration variables of tibia and head were recorded every 5 min. Microwavable self-customised foot orthosis increased the following variables in the first instants comp…

Plantar pressure distribution during running with a self-customized foot orthosis in a home microwave.

The individualization of a custom-made foot orthosis could provide improvements in plantar loading distribution regarding a prefabricated one. However, not all runners can afford it because of its high cost. A new type of low-cost prefabricated foot orthoses with self-customization could be the solution. The aim of the study was to evaluate if self-customized prefabricated foot orthoses (SCFO) could improve plantar pressure distribution with respect to generic prefabricated ones without customization, during the intense prolonged running. Thirty healthy recreational runners performed two tests of 30 min running on a treadmill, each one with a foot orthosis condition, on different days. Mean…

Influence of infrared camera model and evaluator reproducibility in the assessment of skin temperature responses to physical exercise.

Infrared thermography (IRT) has been gaining in popularity in clinical and scientific research due to the increasing availability of affordable infrared cameras. This study aims to determine the similarity of measurement performance between three models of IRT camera during assessment of skin temperature before and after physical exercise. Three models of FLIR thermographic cameras (E60bx, Flir-One Pro LT, and C2) were tested. Thermal images were taken of the foot sole, anterior leg, and anterior thigh from 12 well-trained men, before and after a 30-min run on a treadmill. Image files were blinded and processed by three evaluators to extract the mean, maximum, and standard deviation of skin…

Relationship between foot eversion and thermographic foot skin temperature after running.

The main instruments to assess foot eversion have some limitations (especially for field applications), and therefore it is necessary to explore new methods. The objective was to determine the relationship between foot eversion and skin temperature asymmetry of the foot sole (difference between medial and lateral side), using infrared thermography. Twenty-two runners performed a running test lasting 30 min. Skin temperature of the feet soles was measured by infrared thermography before and after running. Foot eversion during running was measured by kinematic analysis. Immediately after running, weak negative correlations were observed between thermal symmetry of the rearfoot and eversion at…

Relación entre la percepción de validez de una rúbrica, el rendimiento académico y la autorregulación de estudiantes de ciencias del deporte

[EN] The use of rubrics can be an especially useful tool to align the teaching, learning and evaluation processes of oral presentation. Its validity is essential to assess academic performance and may be influenced by student self-regulation. The objective of the study was to determine the perception of validity and utility of a rubric for students of the Physical Education and Sports Sciences degree, as well as to identify the relationship between this perception, their academic performance and their self-regulation. 123 students participated in the study. The teacher of the subject provided the rubric to evaluate oral presentations. After oral presentations, students answered two question…

Relationship between students' perception of a rubric for oral presentations and their academic characteristics

The use of rubrics in the evaluation of oral presentations has been associated with several benefits for students. However, it is unknown whether students with better academic marks and greater self-regulation find the use of rubrics more useful or not. This paper aims to assess the relationship between how students perceive the use of a rubric and their academic characteristics, and to analyze the congruence between the professor’s and students’ evaluations when using the rubric. Eighty-five students studying for a Degree in Sport Sciences participated in this study. A rubric for oral presentations was used to assess the students’ performance. The students then filled out…

A methodology to assess the effect of sweat on infrared thermography data after running: Preliminary study

Abstract The aim of this technical report is to present a preliminary study carried out to define the methodology to be employed for further research on assessing the effect of sweating on infrared thermography and thermal contact sensors after moderate intensity running. Nine recreational runners participated in this preliminary study. Participants ran for 35 min (5 min warm-up and 30 min at a rate of perceived exertion rate of 12 points on the 6–20 points Borg scale). Skin temperature (infrared thermography, Flir E60bx; four thermal contact sensors, IButton DS1923 Hygrochron) and relative humidity (thermal contact sensors) were measured on the anterior thigh on both lower limbs before and…

Compression Garments in Sport

Abstract In this chapter we summarize the main scientific information regarding the applications of compression garments in sports. This chapter covers the discussion from the clinical compression’s application in patients to how its use has been extended to sport. In addition, the composition and different kinds of textiles are considered regarding the level of compression and methodologies/standards for its classification. The chapter is organized in sections considering the effects of compression garments on physiological, psychological, strength, power, endurance, and muscle activation parameters, and ends with indications of future research directions and methodological aspects regardi…

¿Implicar a los estudiantes en la modificación de rúbricas influye sobre su percepción de validez?

[EN] Oral presentation is one of the fundamental competences in the teaching-learning process for most of the university students and rubrics could be used as a useful tool in this process. Therefore, the main objective was to determine the perception of validity and utility of a rubric for students of the Physical Education and Sports Sciences degree, considering also if they were involved or not in the rubric’s development. 115 students participated, in two groups. The teacher of the subject gave to both groups the same rubric to evaluate their oral presentations. So, one of the groups modified and prepared the rubric´s elements. After oral presentations, both groups completed a rubric's …

Effects of prefabricated and custom-made foot orthoses on skin temperature of the foot soles after running

OBJECTIVE Foot orthoses are increasingly used by runners despite the controversy about whether their use can reduce the risk of overuse injuries. Some authors have found modifications in plantar pressures with the use of foot orthoses, which could produce changes in the surface skin temperature of the foot soles. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of custom-made and prefabricated foot orthoses on the skin temperature of different regions of both foot soles after running. APPROACH Twenty-four participants carried out a maximal aerobic speed test as a pre-test, and three running tests at the laboratory wearing different foot orthoses conditions (control, prefabricated and custom…

Foot Temperature Assessment

Thermographic studies of the foot can be very useful in 3 different ways: in preventing injury, in analyzing sporting technique and in assessing the effects of footwear and clothing. The aim of this chapter is to discuss several methodological points concerning the thermal analysis of the foot using infrared thermography, as well as to discuss how it can be applied to the science of sports, both in areas already researched and those as yet uninvestigated.

Footwear outsole temperature may be more related to plantar pressure during a prolonged run than foot temperature.

Objective. The temperature of the sole of the foot has been suggested as an alternative to the measurement of plantar pressure during running despite the scarce evidence about their relationship. The temperature of the footwear outsole could also be representative of plantar pressure distribution due to its less multifactorial dependence. The aim of the study was to determine if plantar pressure during a prolonged run could be related to plantar temperature, either of the sole of the foot or the footwear outsole.Approach. Thirty recreational runners (15 males and 15 females) performed a 30 min running test on a treadmill. Thermographic images of the sole of the foot and the footwear outsole…