PLANTAR PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION DURING RUNNING IN DIFFERENT SURFACES: PRELIMINARY STUDY

Abstract

Overuse injuries in running have been linked to a rigid surface; on the other hand, acute injuries are considered multifactor, since a combination of running speed, surface, shoes, fatigue and training is involved (Walker, 2005). Many stress fractures are due to cumulative impact shock, which is believed to be greater on a hard surface like concrete (Feehery, 1986).The purpose of this study was to compare plantar pressure (PP) distribution on 4 different surfaces. The hypothesis was that surfaces considered rigid would present smaller contact time and greater values in plantar pressure variables in all foot areas; and surfaces considered compliant would present greater contact time and smaller values for the same variables.