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Category

Injury prevention

Document Type

Paper

Abstract

Dynamic instability and high loading rates are associated with athletic injuries. Research is conflicting regarding the effect of midsole cushioning on ground reaction force variables. This study aimed to investigate the effect of athletic footwear midsole thickness on vertical force and dynamic stability in single leg 0.25 m drop landings. Eleven male field sports players performed 5 dominant and 5 non-dominant leg drop landings onto a force plate. The landings were performed barefoot and wearing four shoes of differing midsole thicknesses. Significantly larger vertical forces and rates of loading were found in the barefoot and minimalist conditions, compared to the thickest midsole. This suggests athletes should be aware of an increased injury risk in minimalist shoes and consider thicker midsoles if, following a period of adjustment, technique changes cannot be achieved to dissipate these forces.

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