Continuous Tracking of Foot Strike Pattern during a Maximal 800-Meter Run

(1) Background: Research into foot strike patterns (FSP) has increased due to its potential influence on performance and injury reduction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in FSP throughout a maximal 800-m run using a conformable inertial measurement unit attached to the foot; (2) Methods: Twenty-one subjects (14 female, 7 male; 23.86 +/- 4.25 y) completed a maximal 800-m run while foot strike characteristics were continually assessed. Two measures were assessed across 100-m intervals: the percentage of rearfoot strikes (FSP%RF), and foot strike angle (FSA). The level of significance was set to p <= 0.05; (3) Results: There were no differences in FSP%RF throughout the run. Significant differences were seen between curve and straight intervals for FSA(AVE) (F [1, 20] = 18.663, p < 0.001, eta(2)(p) = 0.483); (4) Conclusions: Participants displayed decreased FSA, likely indicating increased plantarflexion, on the curve compared to straight intervals. The analyses of continuous variables, such as FSA, allow for the detection of subtle changes in foot strike characteristics, which is not possible with discrete classifiers, such as FSP%RF.

Automated summary

Research evaluated foot strike patterns throughout a maximal 800-m run using an inertial measurement unit. Results showed significant differences in foot strike angle on curve intervals, while no differences were observed in the percentage of rearfoot strikes throughout the run.