Transfer Learning Effects of Biofeedback Running Retraining in Untrained Conditions.

PURPOSE Running gait retraining via peak tibial shock biofeedback has been previously shown to reduce impact loading and mitigate running-related symptoms. In previous research, peak tibal shock is typically measured and trained for one limb at a single constant training speed during all training sessions. The goal of this study was to determine how runners transfer learning in the trained limb to the untrained limb at different unconstrained speeds. METHODS Thirteen runners (3 females, age = 41.1 ± 6.9 years, running experience = 6.8 ± 4.4 years, weekly running distance = 30.7 ± 22.2 km) underwent running gait biofeedback retraining via continuous tibial acceleration measured at the right distal tibia. Before and after the training, participants were asked to run at their self-selected constrained training speeds (2.8 ± 0.2 m·s) and at 110% and 90% of the training speed. Pre- and post-training peak tibial shock values for each limb were compared. RESULTS Participants reduced peak tibial shock in the trained limb by 35-37% (p<0.05, Cohen's d = 0.78-0.85), and in the untrained limb by 20-23% (p<0.05, Cohen's d = 0.51-0.71) across the three testing speeds. The reduction was not significantly different between the trained and untrained limbs (p = 0.31-0.79, Cohen's d = 0.18-0.45). Similarly, there was no difference in peak tibial shock reduction among the three running speeds (p = 0.48-0.61, Cohen's d = 0.06-0.45). CONCLUSION Participants demonstrated transfer learning effects evidenced by concomitant reduced peak tibial shock in the untrained limb, and the learning effects were retrained when running at a 10% variance of the training speed.