Dynamic Stability in Runners with and without Plantar Fasciitis

NewsBot · Jun 20, 2022

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Dynamic Stability in Runners with and without Plantar Fasciitis
Devin K.Kelly et al
Gait & Posture; 9 June 2022

Background
Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a common overuse injury experienced by runners. PF may decrease the ability of the plantar fascia to create tension and reduce stability of the foot. Stability of the foot is necessary for whole-body dynamic stability during running which consists of cyclical periods of single leg stance. Given that a major risk factor for running-related injury is previous injury, evaluating dynamic stability in runners with PF, runners with resolved PF, and healthy runners may elucidate differences between these individuals and clarify risk for secondary injury in these groups.

Research question
Is dynamic stability reduced in runners with PF and runners with resolved PF compared to healthy runners?

Methods
Thirty runners were recruited for this retrospective comparative study based on mileage and injury status: current PF (PF), resolved PF (RPF), or healthy (CON). Kinematic and kinetic data were collected during running and dynamic stability was determined by time-to-contact (TtC) analysis for early, mid, and late stance to the anterior, posterior, medial, and lateral boundary of the foot. Dynamic stability was compared between groups one-way ANOVAs (α=0.05) and Tukey post-hoc tests conducted when appropriate. Cohen’s d effect sizes (d) were reported for all TtC comparisons (small = 0.20, medium = 0.50, large = 0.80).

Results
TtC values were shorter in PF compared to the other groups to all boundaries during mid-stance. TtC was significantly greater in PF compared to RPF to the anterior boundary during late stance.

Significance
Shorter TtC observed in PF compared to the other groups during midstance may indicate reduced dynamic stability during the most stable portion of running which may lead to increased injury risk.
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Craig Payne · Jun 20, 2022

"TtC values were shorter in PF compared to the other groups to all boundaries during mid-stance. TtC was significantly greater in PF compared to RPF to the anterior boundary during late stance." ..... "may indicate reduced dynamic stability during the most stable portion of running which may lead to increased injury risk."

Dynamic stability? .... I call that 'limping' ...

NewsBot · Jun 29, 2022

Plantar fasciitis injury status influences foot mechanics during running
Kristyne Wiegand et al
June 27, 2022

Highlights
•Altered foot mechanics exist in runners with plantar fasciitis.
•Differences in mechanics were noted between current and resolved plantar fasciitis.
•A lowered arch during running may cause or prolong plantar fasciitis symptoms.
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Background
The biomechanical factors related to plantar fasciitis are not well understood. A history of injury is considered a risk factor for subsequent injury, but it is unknown if differences in mechanics exist before, during, and after injury. This study compared gait mechanics among individuals with plantar fasciitis, resolved plantar fasciitis, and uninjured controls.
Methods
Thirty male and female runners were divided into three groups: 1) plantar fasciitis (n = 10, age 43 ± 11 years); 2) resolved plantar fasciitis (n = 10, age 43 ± 13 years); and 3) control (n = 10, age 38 ± 11 years). Participants ran at preferred velocity and 3.3 m/s while kinematics and kinetics were collected. Variables of interest include vertical loading rate, foot, ankle, knee, and hip kinematics, arch height index, arch rigidity index, and arch drop. Group differences were analyzed at each velocity using one-way analysis of variance.
Findings
The plantar fasciitis group exhibited less forefoot extension (P = 0.02), more midfoot inversion (P < 0.01), and more midfoot extension (P < 0.01) than the resolved plantar fasciitis group. Foot mechanics in controls did not differ. Sagittal knee range of motion was greater in the plantar fasciitis group than resolved or control (P = 0.01). No other variables were significantly different among groups.
Interpretation
The plantar fasciitis group exhibited dynamic foot mechanics which suggest a lower, more flexible arch compared to the resolved group, although static measures of foot structure and ankle motion did not differ. The differences between these groups indicate that the motion of the forefoot and midfoot during gait are important to consider for plantar fasciitis.
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NewsBot · Jun 17, 2023

Foot kinematics in runners with plantar heel pain during running gait
Hanieh Pazhooman et al
Gait & Posture; Volume 104, July 2023, Pages 15-21

Background
Plantar heel pain associated with plantar fascia pathology (PHP) is one of the most common running overuse injuries. Degeneration and changes in the mechanical properties of the plantar fascia associated with PHP can result in changes in foot kinematics during gait.

Research question
How do running gait foot kinematics differ between female and male runners with and without PHP?

Methods
Retrospective study of 13 runners with PHP (7 female, 6 male) and a matched group of 13 uninjured runners (6 female, 7 male). A seven-segment foot model was used to quantify six functional articulations (rearfoot complex, lateral and medial midfoot, lateral and medial forefoot, and first metatarsophalangeal). Functional articulation ROM during early, mid, and propulsion running stance subphases was assessed. Two-way ANOVAs and Friedman’s two-way ANOVA for ranks tests were conducted for normally distributed variables and non-normally distributed variables, respectively.

Results
During early stance, PHP runners demonstrated significantly increased lateral midfoot eversion ROM compared to uninjured runners. During the propulsion phase, male runners with PHP demonstrated increased medial midfoot eversion and dorsiflexion ROM and increased medial forefoot plantar flexion compared to uninjured male runners. Also during propulsion, females with PHP went through significantly less medial forefoot plantar flexion ROM compared to uninjured female runners.

Significance
Given the function of the plantar fascia to assist foot supination, the differences in runners with PHP, which were consistent with increased pronation or inadequate supination, may be the result of insufficient tension during the stance phase of running gait caused by degeneration of the plantar fascia. Further, the significant medial midfoot and medial forefoot group by sex interactions during propulsion suggest that PHP may affect male and female runners differently. Understanding the effect of PHP on foot function during running may aid in the development of future rehabilitation programs and/or treatment outcome assessments.
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Craig Payne · Jun 17, 2023

" the differences in runners with PHP, which were consistent with increased pronation or inadequate supination, may be the result of insufficient tension during the stance phase of running gait caused by degeneration of the plantar fascia. "

or the pain altered gait ... ie "limping"

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NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

Craig Payne Moderator

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