The Effect of Running-induced Fatigue on Foot Roll-over Pattern in Novice Runners

Novice runners are at high risk of running-related injuries. However, their injury mechanisms are less well understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of running-induced fatigue on foot roll-over pattern in novice runners.
Eighteen (12 male and 6 female) novice runners participated in this study. Before and after the fatigue, plantar load distribution was recorded by Footscan system. Peak plantar pressure, peak force underneath of each zone and Medio-lateral force distribution ratio were calculated during forefoot push-off phase. Furthermore, temporal data such as time to peak force for each region and duration percent for each phase were calculated.
After the fatigue, an increase in forefoot and midfoot loading was observed. Results showed statistically significant reduction in the Medio-lateral force distribution ratio in forefoot push off (p=0.029). Moreover, timing percent of initial contact phase and forefoot contact phase were decreased (p=0.001 and p=0.009 respectively) and percent of forefoot push off phase duration was increased significantly (p=0.036). Time to peak force in the 4th metatarsal reduced.
The findings of the present study demonstrated that running-induced fatigue caused load and plantar pressure distribution consequently, roll-over deviations in novice runners. These results may provide useful information related to several running related injuries.