Effect Of Shoe Cushioning Hardness to Running Biomechanics

Running is one of the low-cost exercises to improve general well-being but repetitive loading at lower extremities can lead to high occurrence of running injuries. Running shoe cushioning characteristic is postulated can enhance running performance and reduce the potential risk of running related injuries. The soft and hard cushioning footwear will affect the running gait especially after shoe aging. Several studies have investigated the link between running shoe cushioning and running biomechanics. However, there were generally inconsistent finding being reported. So, the purpose of this study is to perform a biomechanical analysis if running shoe cushioning properties can have positive effect on distance running. 10 amateur runners participated in this study and completed 80 km running distance within timeline. They were divided into two groups who run with soft cushioning and hard cushioning shoes respectively. The lower extremities joint flexion range of motion and vertical ground reaction force were accessed at baseline, after 40 km and 80 km of running. The result showed that hardness of cushioning was increased if the running distance increased. Greater range of motion was observed for both hard and soft cushioning condition when the running distance was accumulated to 80 km. Hard cushioning running had significantly higher range of motion and ground reaction force if compared to soft cushioning running. In conclusion soft cushioning running produces less impact load may result in better protection on running injury.