Multi-directional peak tibial accelerations in over-ground, level, running: a multicenter study

Loading of the musculoskeletal system has been key in the foot strike pattern debate. This multi-center study evaluated whether multi-directional peak tibial acceleration (PTA) behave similarly between foot strike patterns. 3D tibial accelerations were separately collected and processed in-lab and in-field at respectively ~3.2 and 3.3 m/s. Motion data was additionally captured in-lab. Resultant PTA was higher during instructed (+88%) and habitual (+46%) non-rearfoot striking compared to habitual rearfoot striking because of an abrupt decrease in transverse velocity of the shank during non-rearfoot striking. It seems that the initial foot positioning in rearfoot running allows for more forward motion or braking path of the shank during the initial foot unroll. Non-rearfoot runners have a higher total tibial shock because of a diminished anterior ‘braking path’.