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Biomechanics

Biomechanics - Poster Session B

Poster D10 - Effect of Carbon-Plated Footwear on Lower-Body Kinematics of Experienced Runners Using Markerless Motion Capture

Thursday, October 24, 2024
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM EST
Location: Exhibit Hall E, F & G

Introduction:  Recent advancements in running shoe technology have led to a variety of changes in running footwear design. The addition of carbon plates and more responsive foam to running shoes has been linked to improvements in Running Economy (RE): The power required to run at a constant pace for an individual of constant weight. However, the long-term effects of these technologies on runners’ health is not yet fully understood. Minor changes in running biomechanics attributable to these shoes may increase the risk of Running Overuse Injuries (ROIs) which have the potential to derail a runner’s season or even career. Markerless motion capture allows for quick, accurate, and non-invasive collection of this biomechanical data. A portable eight-camera markerless system allows for data collection in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments to better simulate the natural conditions of running, instead of relying on the conventional treadmill. This study aims to use markerless motion capture to quantify the effect, if any, of carbon-plated running shoes on hip, knee, and ankle biomechanics compared to conventional running shoes. These findings have the potential to clarify and further research into the possible health risks of carbon-plated shoe technology.

Materials and

Methods:  Participating runners fit the following criteria: 18+ years of age, able to consistently run >10 miles per week, and uninjured (no existing ROI) at the time of data collection. An eight camera (OptiTrack Prime Color) markerless motion capture system was used to collect biomechanical data of the hip, knee, and ankle joints for each participating runner. The cameras were arranged in a semi-circle along a straight section of a designated running route. Trials recorded at a frequency of 240 frames per second. Each participant was recorded during two short sessions, once in conventional, non-carbon plated running shoes, and once in carbon-plated running shoes. During each session, participants were instructed to run at two different paces. Male participants were instructed to run at a faster pace of 5 minutes per mile (12mph) and a moderate place of 7 minutes per mile (8.57mph) while female participants were instructed to run at 5:45 minutes per mile (10.44mph) and 7:30 minutes per mile (8mph) in each shoe. Runners were paced by a cyclist using a cycling speedometer. Camera footage was exported from the OptiTrack Motive software and processed in Theia3D to produce a 3D skeletal model of each participant. This data was analyzed in Visual 3D to calculate the relevant angular positions of the ankle, knee and hip joint of every participant. Statistical analysis was carried out in MATLAB R2024a.

Results, Conclusions, and Discussions: Preliminary analysis indicates that there may not be a significant difference between ankle, knee, or hip biomechanics while running in carbon-plated footwear versus non-carbon-plated footwear. The observed improvements in Running Economy (RE) in carbon-plated footwear may be due to the inherent mechanical properties of the shoe itself, rather than any impact they may have on the biomechanics of the user. The greatest variation between shoes was observed in the maximum angles of knee adduction and abduction.

A larger number of participants will be analyzed to increase statistical significance of the results. The expected number of participants is 40. This method can potentially be used for future investigations into the effects of biomechanical differences on the long-term health and performance of experienced distance runners. Further research is necessary to determine health outcomes.

Acknowledgements (Optional):