Abstract

The aim of this study has been to determine whether any changes in plantar pressure distribution occur in competitive distance runners during the stance phase of continuous steady running and continuous accelerating running depending on increasing fatigue and loading intensity. Furthermore to show a practical significance of tensometrics for running technique and running economy evaluation, as well as, for prevention of structural and functional changes of foot resulting from an extreme loading. Non-homogenous group of five distance runners – two competitive male runners, two competitive female runners, and one recreational male runner – participated in this pilot study. The analysis of plantar pressure distribution during the stance phase at initial and final stage of continuous run was performed by using Novel Pedar-X system. One male competitive runner and one female competitive runner underwent continuous, gradually increasing loading, during which changes in plantar pressure distribution and foot contact time were observed depending on increasing running speed. The other subjects – competitive male runner, competitive female runner, and recreational male runner – underwent continuous steady loading, during which changes in plantar pressure distribution and foot contact time were observed depending on increasing fatigue. No changes in plantar pressure distribution have been detected in any of the competitive distance runners during the continuous accelerating and continuous steady run. However, significant change in terms of shifting peak pressure areas forward to the forefoot has occurred in context of increasing fatigue during the continuous steady run in recreational runner. The foot contact time during the continuous steady run has changed only in female competitive runner. Verf.-Referat