December 30, 2024 05:35 PM IST
Study says wearing new shoes may increase running-related injuries.
When we run on a treadmill, the way we place our feet on the ground helps increase mileage. One wrong step can increase the risk of running-related injuries. According to a recent study led by Heather Vincent of the University of Florida, people who wear shoes with thick heels are at a higher risk of such injuries, especially when they are not aware of the impact of keeping their feet on the ground. What effect can it have on them? Read this also Tips for dealing with bone injuries during marathon training, ways to prevent them
“The shoe is midway between the foot and the ground, and looks like a large heel,” Heather Vincent, PhD, director of the UF Health Sports Performance Center and lead author of the study, said in a media release. Toe drop makes it more challenging for runners to recognize how they are striking the ground. “It’s unclear how we retrain people or determine whether someone is at risk for future injury.”
Study findings:
According to the study published in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, only 42.7% of runners are aware of their foot strike pattern. 28.3% of participants are rearfoot strikers, 47% are non-rearfoot strikers, and 24.6% of participants are unaware of their pattern. The study further observed that rearfoot strikers are at a higher risk of running-related repetitive motion injuries than forefoot strikers. Read this also The art and science of fitness How to avoid injury, with or without shoes?

How are running shoes linked to running-related injuries?
The researchers observed that the drop from the shoe’s heel to the toe was a stable predictor of accurate strike detection and running-related injuries. It was observed that increased heel-to-toe height was associated with a lower probability of accurately detecting foot strike and an increased risk of injury. Read this also Common Sports Injuries, Signs to Watch Out for, Treatment and Prevention Tips
Switching to new running shoes:
The study found that switching to new running shoes was also linked to more reports of running-related injuries. This study is a wake-up call to create awareness on the importance of a conscious change period of changing shoes while running, so as to reduce the chances of injury. It was observed that runners who had changed their shoes in the last six months were three times more likely to report running-related injuries.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
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