Title: The influence of shock-pad density and footwear cushioning on heel impact and forefoot loading during running and turning movements

Authors: Daniel C. Low; Sharon J. Dixon

Addresses: Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, F14, Carwyn James Building, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3FD, Wales, UK ' Sport and Health Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter St Luke's Campus, Heavitree Road, Exeter, EX1 2LU, UK

Abstract: This investigation explored how shock-pad density and footwear cushioning influences soccer players' biomechanics. Ten participants (20.9 ± 2.5 yrs, 83.2 ± 7.1 kg, UK footwear size 10-11) wore three footwear cushioning conditions (soccer boot, soccer boot with cushioning insole and soccer boot with heel insert). Each footwear condition was tested on two shock-pad densities (55 g/litre and 65 g/litre) beneath a third generation carpet. For each footwear-shock-pad combination, eight running trials (3.81 m/s) and eight turning trials (consistent self-selected speeds) were collected. Pressure insole data were collected to provide a measure of player loading at impact and propulsion. Repeated measures ANOVAs demonstrated no main effects of footwear. The greater surface density did however, significantly increase (p < 0.05) measurements associated with loading during running (first metatarsal peak pressure) and turning (peak impact force, lateral heel and first metatarsal peak pressure). These findings suggest that shock-pad density is important in the regulation of player loading.

Keywords: impact force; metatarsal peak pressure; player loading; shock pad density; footwear cushioning; heel impact; forefoot loading; running; turning movements; soccer players; footballers; biomechanics; cushioning insole; soccer boots; football boots; heel insert.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSURFSE.2016.075319

International Journal of Surface Science and Engineering, 2016 Vol.10 No.1, pp.86 - 99

Received: 13 Oct 2014
Accepted: 04 Jan 2015
Published online: 12 Mar 2016 *

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