Reliability and running speed effects of in-shoe loading measurements during slow treadmill running

In-shoe measurement systems allow the clinician and researcher to examine the loading parameters within the shoe. This study sought to investigate the test retest reliability and speed effects of in-shoe loading parameters using the Pedar System (Novel GMBH Munich) during slow treadmill running, The results indicated good to excellent test retest reliability between the two days tested. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC's) ranged from 0.84-0.99 depending on the plantar region and variable analyzed. All plantar loading variables increased (peak pressure, peak pressure time impulse, peak force, and force time impulse) with the exception of contact area when treadmill running speed was increased from 2.24 m/s to 3.13 m/s. Results indicate that control of running speed is essential in obtaining reproducible data using this system to measure in-shoe loading data.