Running Mechanics in Obese Individuals: Letter to Editor

Obesity has become a global problem that can affect the mechanism of running in obese people. Abnormal running pattern can lead to skeletal-muscular disorders and subsequently a decrease in the absorption of shocks due to physical activity, an increase in knee and back pain, an increase in the joints’ instability, a reduction in the time to reach the peak of ground reaction forces, and an increase in the peak of ground reaction forces. On the other hand, a change and disorder in the aforementioned components can lead to an increase in loading rate, micro fractures of the tibia bone, patellofemoral pain syndrome, iliotibial band syndrome, plantar fascia, and other soft tissue injuries. Considering the importance of running mechanics in obese people and the lack of sufficient studies in this field, it is necessary to evaluate this issue scientifically. Therefore, all those interested in the field of biomechanics are suggested to conduct studies in this area.