Relationships between static foot alignment and dynamic plantar loads in runners with acute and chronic stages of plantar fasciitis: a cross-sectional study.

Background: The risk factors for the development of plantar fasciitis (PF) have been associated with the medial longitudinal arch (MLA), rearfoot alignment and calcaneal overload. However, the relationships between the biomechanical variables have yet to be determined.

Objective: The goal of this study was to investigate the relationships between the MLA, rearfoot alignment, and dynamic plantar loads in runners with unilateral PF in acute and chronic phases.

Dynamic Patterns of Forces and Loading Rate in Runners with Unilateral Plantar Fasciitis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Aim/hypothesis: The etiology of plantar fasciitis (PF) has been related to several risk factors, but the magnitude of the plantar load is the most commonly described factor. Although PF is the third most-common injury in runners, only two studies have investigated this factor in runners, and their results are still inconclusive regarding the injury stage.

Objective: Analyze and compare the plantar loads and vertical loading rate during running of runners in the acute stage of PF to those in the chronic stage of the injury in relation to healthy runners.

The effect of pillow height on muscle activity of the neck and mid-upper back and patient perception of comfort.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the comfort and the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the neck and mid-upper back of asymptomatic adults using foam pillows of 3 different heights.

Methods: Twenty-one asymptomatic adults used foam pillows of 3 different heights (1: 5 cm, 2: 10 cm, and 3: 14 cm). Comfort was assessed using a 100-mm visual analog scale.

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.