Elliptical trainers

NewsBot · Aug 3, 2020

Members do not see these Ads. Sign Up.
Variations in plantar pressure variables across elliptical trainers in older adults
Judith M. Burnfield et al
Clinical Biomechanics :August 01, 2020

Highlights
•Forefoot and heel peak pressures lower on ellipticals vs. walking
•Forefoot and heel contact time (% cycle) greater on ellipticals vs. walking
•Pressure-time integral and pressure dosage not lower on elliptical vs. walking
•Individuals with sensory neuropathy should initiate elliptical training cautiously.
Click to expand...

Background
Ellipticals are used to address walking and cardiorespiratory training goals of older adults, some of whom are at risk for foot injuries. Variations in joint kinematics and muscle demands when using different ellipticals could lead to plantar pressure differences. This study explored plantar pressure variables during gait and use of four ellipticals.
Methods
Plantar pressures were recorded while 10 adults [68.1 (4.5) years] walked and used the True, Octane, Life Fitness, and SportsArt ellipticals. Repeated-measures ANOVAs (5 × 1) identified forefoot and heel differences across conditions.
Findings
Maximum forefoot forces and peak pressures were significantly lower than walking for each elliptical condition with one exception (Life Fitness peak pressure). However, sustained elliptical pedal contact time contributed to forefoot pressure-time integrals and dosages (i.e., cumulative pressure during one minute of activity) not varying significantly amongst elliptical and walking conditions. Heel maximum forces and peak pressures were significantly lower than walking during all elliptical conditions except SportsArt. Heel contact time on SportsArt and Octane exceeded walking, and SportsArt heel contact time exceeded Life Fitness. Heel pressure-time integral was greater on SportsArt compared to walking, Life Fitness, and True. Sports Art heel dosage exceeded Life Fitness and True.
Interpretation
While elliptical training's sustained double limb support diminished maximal forces and peak pressures under the forefoot and heel compared to walking, each ellipticals' pressure-time integral and dosage were not significantly lower than walking. These findings point to the importance of carefully initiating elliptical training programs to minimize tissue injury, particularly if sensory neuropathy is present.
Click to expand...

NewsBot · Aug 3, 2020

Related Threads:
Numbness with use of elliptical trainer
Transient Forefoot Compression Neuropathy With Elliptical Trainers

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

Transient Forefoot Compression Neuropathy With Elliptical Trainers

Numbness with use of elliptical trainer

Laterally stiffened trainers for medial knee OA

Dangers of trainers?

Plimsolls "better" than trainers

Trainers

The painful truth about trainers: Are running shoes a waste of money?

Share This Page