Assessing experience in the deliberate practice of running using a fuzzy decision-support system.

The judgement of skill experience and its levels is ambiguous though it is crucial for decision-making in sport sciences studies. We developed a fuzzy decision support system to classify experience of non-elite distance runners. Two Mamdani subsystems were developed based on expert running coaches' knowledge.

Immediate effects of EVA midsole resilience and upper shoe structure on running biomechanics: a machine learning approach.

Background: Resilience of midsole material and the upper structure of the shoe are conceptual characteristics that can interfere in running biomechanics patterns. Artificial intelligence techniques can capture features from the entire waveform, adding new perspective for biomechanical analysis. This study tested the influence of shoe midsole resilience and upper structure on running kinematics and kinetics of non-professional runners by using feature selection, information gain, and artificial neural network analysis.

Comparisons of foot anthropometry and plantar arch indices between German and Brazilian children.

Background: Nowadays, trades and research have become closely related between different countries and anthropometric data are important for the development in global markets. The appropriate use of anthropometry may improve wellbeing, health, comfort and safety especially for footwear design. For children a proper fit of footwear is very important, not constraining foot growth and allowing a normal development.

Biomechanical variables and perception of comfort in running shoes with different cushioning technologies.

Objectives: To investigate the relationships between the perception of comfort and biomechanical parameters (plantar pressure and ground reaction force) during running with four different types of cushioning technology in running shoes.

Design: Randomized repeated measures.

Methods: Twenty-two men, recreational runners (18-45 years) ran 12km/h with running shoes with four different cushioning systems.

Effect of a rocker non-heeled shoe on EMG and ground reaction forces during gait without previous training.

Unstable shoes have been designed to promote "natural instability" and during walking they should simulate barefoot gait, enhancing muscle activity and, thus, attributing an advantage over regular tennis shoes. Recent studies showed that, after special training on the appropriate walking pattern, the use of the Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) shoe increases muscle activation during walking. Our study presents a comparison of muscle activity as well as horizontal and vertical forces during gait with the MBT, a standard tennis shoe and barefoot walking of healthy individuals without previous training.

Electromyography and kinematic changes of gait cycle at different cadences in diabetic neuropathic individuals.

Introduction: Changes in gait cadence caused by challenging situations in daily life might induce higher demand for strength and propulsion in diabetic neuropathic (DN) subjects.

Methods: Forty-six subjects (healthy and DN) walked at two cadences (self-selected and 25% higher). Kinematic and electromyographic data were obtained from lower limbs and compared across the gait cycle.

Lower limb electromygraphy and kinematics of neuropathic diabetic patients during real-life activities: stair negotiation.

Introduction: In this study we investigate the influence of diabetic neuropathy (DN) on lower limb electromyography (EMG) and kinematics during stair negotiation.

Methods: Forty-six adults (healthy and DN) performed stair ascent and descent tasks. Kinematic and EMG data were assessed unilaterally.

A method for better positioning bipolar electrodes for lower limb EMG recordings during dynamic contractions.

To obtain a high quality EMG acquisition, the signal must be recorded as far away as possible from muscle innervations and tendon zones, which are known to shift during dynamic contractions. This study describes a methodology, using commercial bipolar electrodes, to identify better electrode positions for superficial EMG of lower limb muscles during dynamic contractions. Eight female volunteers participated in this study.

What is the best method for child longitudinal plantar arch assessment and when does arch maturation occur?

Background: The medial longitudinal arch modifies significantly during growth. Nevertheless, authors differ on the age at which the foot acquires the adult-like shape. The best method to assess this arch in children is also controversial.