The prolonged use of a running shoe is thought to affect the efficiency of its impact attenuation properties. However, its effect over biomechanical variables has yet not been well understood. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of running shoe usage on ground reaction force and plantar pressure parameters. Three male runners received four running shoes each to use at their training sessions. The Gaitway System was used to register the vertical component of the ground reaction force, whereas the contact area and peak plantar pressure at different regions of the foot were assessed via the the F-scan System. Data collection occurred at baseline (when the shoes were new - New) and after 100, 200 and 300km of use. The first peak decreased significantly from New to 300km (p < 0.01) and the loading rate showed a significant decrease at 200km in relation to the New condition (p < 0.01). Total area increased significantly from New to 100km (p < 0.01) of use and maintained a similar value when compared with the other conditions. There was a continuous and significant decrease (p < 0.01) on forefoot peak pressure as the mileage increased from New to 300km. The hallux peak pressure values were significantly smaller (p < 0.01) at 300km when compared with the New condition. Considering that the first peak, loading rate and plantar peak pressure values did not increase and that the plantar total contact area increased, it can be concluded that the running shoe did not suffer consistent alterations in ground reaction force and in plantar pressure after 300km of use.
Biomechanics; Footwear; Cumulative use
