DIFFERENCES BETWEEN FORE- AND REARFOOT STRIKE RUNNING PATTERNS BASED ON KINETICS AND KINEMATICS

Some sports physicians and coaches are adamant, that forefoot striking (FFS) compared to rearfoot striking (RFS) results in a reduction of joint loading and therefore reducing the incidence of overuse injuries. The present study investigates the influence of different running strike patterns on knee joint loading and on “conventional” dynamic variables, which have been proposed as major reasons for the cause of running injuries. Nineteen experienced male runners participated on the study. Kinematic data was collected using a 6-camera 3-dimensional Vicon System. Kinetic data was recorded by a Kistler force plate. Based on the findings of the present study it is concluded that FFS does not necessarily lead to a lower risk regarding the incidence and development of running related injuries. It is likely, however, that the location and the nature of injury/complaints can be influenced by the strike pattern.