Acute Effects of Long Distance Running on Plantar Foot Pressure Distribution

Twenty-six healthy men and women participated in this study in which 14 were long distance runners and remaining were control subjects. Following the initial assessment of foot pressure distribution, the runners were asked to complete the regular training program. Immediately after the run, foot pressure distribution was again assessed using the Zebris FDM-Treadmill. The parameters were analysed and compared with the pre-training data. The same parameters were also assessed for the control group at rest. Paired t-test was used to compare the foot pressure distribution before and after the run. Independent t-test was used to compare the same parameters between runners and control group. No significant changes were observed in runners post run whereas the control group showed significant changes in the foot pressure distribution of right forefoot and backfoot when compared to long distance runners at rest. The findings of the study suggest that the foot pressure distribution is not affected acutely after the long distance running. The future studies could analyse the plantar pressure measurement throughout the training programs to detect the time and nature of the deviations linked to long distance run, which would help in injury prevention.