Abstract Summary
Runners who forefoot strike are thought to increase strain on the plantar fascia and reduce the fascial stiffness, but there is limited quantitative evidence to support this view. Ultrasound shear wave elastography was performed to compare the plantar fascia elasticity among runners. Twenty-one rearfoot strikers and 14 forefoot strikers were identified and recruited. The B-mode ultrasound images and shear wave elastographic images of the plantar fascia were collected and reviewed for each runner. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the fascial thickness and hypoechogenicity between groups (p > 0.05). However, forefoot strikers exhibited reduced shear wave velocity in the plantar fascia compared to rearfoot strikers (p = 0.012, Cohen’s d = 0.91). Reduced soft tissue elasticity makes the fascia more vulnerable to strain under loading and may increase the risk of plantar fasciitis.
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