Spectral and Spatial Analysis of Plantar Force Distributions Across Foot-Strike Patterns During Treadmill Running
Treadmill running gait differs to overland running and is commonly used to evaluate interventions. One challenge is accurately defining strike pattern and related impact kinetics. This study aimed to characterise foot-strike patterns during treadmill running using the spatial distribution of in-shoe...
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MDPI AG
2025-08-01
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/15/8709 |
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| author | Paul William Macdermid Stephanie Julie Walker |
| author_facet | Paul William Macdermid Stephanie Julie Walker |
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| description | Treadmill running gait differs to overland running and is commonly used to evaluate interventions. One challenge is accurately defining strike pattern and related impact kinetics. This study aimed to characterise foot-strike patterns during treadmill running using the spatial distribution of in-shoe plantar forces and to identify differences in impact kinetics through spectral analysis. Low- and high-frequency power components were analysed in heel, midfoot and forefoot strike patterns. No distinct impact peaks were identified in the force traces; however, significant spatial differences were found. Forefoot strikes exhibited lower peak impact force, average loading rate, and high-frequency power spectral density (PSD) components compared to heel and midfoot strikes, with heel also lower than midfoot. Strike pattern classification was derived from spatial force distribution, where >70% posterior and >50% anterior denote heel and forefoot strikes, while midfoot strikes demonstrate a more balanced distribution with >25% in the central zone. These findings support the integration of spatial, force-based classification with frequency-domain analysis to enhance the evaluation of impact attenuation in treadmill-based running interventions. |
| format | Article |
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| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2076-3417 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-08-01 |
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| spelling | doaj-art-efa9a72a2a944c9f8c69e91af5bda7a32025-08-20T04:00:53ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-08-011515870910.3390/app15158709Spectral and Spatial Analysis of Plantar Force Distributions Across Foot-Strike Patterns During Treadmill RunningPaul William Macdermid0Stephanie Julie Walker1School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition, College of Health, Massey University, Palmerston North 4472, New ZealandSchool of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition, College of Health, Massey University, Palmerston North 4472, New ZealandTreadmill running gait differs to overland running and is commonly used to evaluate interventions. One challenge is accurately defining strike pattern and related impact kinetics. This study aimed to characterise foot-strike patterns during treadmill running using the spatial distribution of in-shoe plantar forces and to identify differences in impact kinetics through spectral analysis. Low- and high-frequency power components were analysed in heel, midfoot and forefoot strike patterns. No distinct impact peaks were identified in the force traces; however, significant spatial differences were found. Forefoot strikes exhibited lower peak impact force, average loading rate, and high-frequency power spectral density (PSD) components compared to heel and midfoot strikes, with heel also lower than midfoot. Strike pattern classification was derived from spatial force distribution, where >70% posterior and >50% anterior denote heel and forefoot strikes, while midfoot strikes demonstrate a more balanced distribution with >25% in the central zone. These findings support the integration of spatial, force-based classification with frequency-domain analysis to enhance the evaluation of impact attenuation in treadmill-based running interventions.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/15/8709runninggaitfoot-strikeground reaction forces |
| spellingShingle | Paul William Macdermid Stephanie Julie Walker Spectral and Spatial Analysis of Plantar Force Distributions Across Foot-Strike Patterns During Treadmill Running Applied Sciences running gait foot-strike ground reaction forces |
| title | Spectral and Spatial Analysis of Plantar Force Distributions Across Foot-Strike Patterns During Treadmill Running |
| title_full | Spectral and Spatial Analysis of Plantar Force Distributions Across Foot-Strike Patterns During Treadmill Running |
| title_fullStr | Spectral and Spatial Analysis of Plantar Force Distributions Across Foot-Strike Patterns During Treadmill Running |
| title_full_unstemmed | Spectral and Spatial Analysis of Plantar Force Distributions Across Foot-Strike Patterns During Treadmill Running |
| title_short | Spectral and Spatial Analysis of Plantar Force Distributions Across Foot-Strike Patterns During Treadmill Running |
| title_sort | spectral and spatial analysis of plantar force distributions across foot strike patterns during treadmill running |
| topic | running gait foot-strike ground reaction forces |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/15/8709 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT paulwilliammacdermid spectralandspatialanalysisofplantarforcedistributionsacrossfootstrikepatternsduringtreadmillrunning AT stephaniejuliewalker spectralandspatialanalysisofplantarforcedistributionsacrossfootstrikepatternsduringtreadmillrunning |