INCREASED FOREFOOT ENERGY RETURN OF FOOTWEAR IMPROVES METABOLIC ENERGY EXPENDITURE

Authors

Melanie Knopp, adidas AG, Herzogenaurach, GERFollow
Martin Ullrich, adidas AG, Herzogenaurach, GERFollow
Sasa Cigoja, adidas AG, Herzogenaurach, GERFollow

Category

Sports Performance & Elite Sports

Document Type

Paper

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine how systematically increasing the energy return in the forefoot of running footwear impacts energy expenditure of running. For this, 13 participants ran on a treadmill at a submaximal speed, in three shoe conditions differing only in their mechanical properties of the midsole foam, allowing an energy return of 11 J, 12 J, and 13 J, respectively. Running with a 13 J energy return improved energy expenditure compared to the condition with 11 J (2.03%; p = 0.026). The 12 J condition did not significantly differ from the others. These findings suggest that a 2 J increase in forefoot energy return from footwear improves energy expenditure of running, potentially contributing to recent world records in long-distance running.

Recommended Citation

Knopp, Melanie; Ullrich, Martin; and Cigoja, Sasa (2024) "INCREASED FOREFOOT ENERGY RETURN OF FOOTWEAR IMPROVES METABOLIC ENERGY EXPENDITURE," ISBS Proceedings Archive: Vol. 42: Iss. 1, Article 177.
Available at: https://commons.nmu.edu/isbs/vol42/iss1/177