Combined gait modifications for runners to reduce impact loading

Impact loading has been linked to the increased risk of tibial stress fracture and plantar fasciitis in runners. This study investigated the combined effects of foot strike pattern, step rate, and anterior trunk lean gait modifications on impact loading. Nineteen healthy runners received real-time biofeedback to perform separate gait modifications involving combinations of foot strike pattern (rearfoot, midfoot, and forefoot strike), step rate (natural and 10% increased), and anterior trunk lean posture (natural and 10-degree increased). Forefoot strike combined with increased step rate resulted in the lowest impact loading rates, and rearfoot strike combined with anterior trunk lean resulted in the highest impact loading rates. These findings could help to inform gait modifications for runners to reduce impact loading and associated injury risks.