Journals Information
International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences Vol. 13(5), pp. 1089 - 1096
DOI: 10.13189/saj.2025.130510
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Within-Runner Kinetic Responses to Heel and Forefoot Striking During Outdoor Running Speeds
Daniel Scherrer 1,*, Kylie A. Legg 2, Chris W. Rogers 2,3, Darryl J. Cochrane 1
1 School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition, Massey University, New Zealand
2 School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, New Zealand
3 School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, New Zealand
ABSTRACT
Runners habitually land on the heel or the forefoot during initial ground contact, and this pattern affects how ground reaction forces travel through the lower limbs. Previous literature that explores these different patterns utilises indoor laboratories and tests separate groups of runners. These controlled settings provide limited real-world insights and make it difficult to separate the effects of the foot strike pattern from pre-existing differences between runner groups. To explore strike-dependent loading in a realistic setting, this study used a within participant design on an outdoor track to explore if trained runners were capable of performing both striking patterns. Thirteen nationally competitive male middle-distance runners ran one-minute repetitions at 12, 14, 16 and 18 km h⁻¹, switching between instructed heel and forefoot landing in identical zero-drop running shoes. Vertical ground reaction forces were measured using in-shoe sensors and analysed by multivariable linear mixed effects models. Heel striking, compared to forefoot striking, increased peak impact force by 1110 ± 20 N, loading rate by 19000 ± 360 N·s⁻¹, and time to active peak by 0.005 ± 0.001 s (p < 0.001). Forefoot striking elevated active‑peak force by 340 ± 10 N and impulse by 0.024 ± 0.001 N·s (p < 0.001). Step compliance with the instructed pattern was successful when runners used their habitual forefoot strike (median 100 %, Interquartile range [IQR] IQR 100 - 100%). However, compliance dropped markedly when habitual heel runners attempted a forefoot style (median 52.5%, IQR 30.2–69.0%). This study clearly demonstrates that, while most athletes can effectively adhere to strike instructions, the consistent execution of a non-habitual movement pattern is not uniformly achieved across all individuals.
KEYWORDS
Foot Strike, Gait, Running
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Daniel Scherrer , Kylie A. Legg , Chris W. Rogers , Darryl J. Cochrane , "Within-Runner Kinetic Responses to Heel and Forefoot Striking During Outdoor Running Speeds," International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, Vol. 13, No. 5, pp. 1089 - 1096, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2025.130510.
(b). APA Format:
Daniel Scherrer , Kylie A. Legg , Chris W. Rogers , Darryl J. Cochrane (2025). Within-Runner Kinetic Responses to Heel and Forefoot Striking During Outdoor Running Speeds. International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, 13(5), 1089 - 1096. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2025.130510.