Biomechanical variables and perception of comfort in running shoes with different cushioning technologies

Objectives: To investigate the relationships between the perception of comfort and biomechanical parameters (plantar pressure and ground reaction force) during running with four different types of cushioning technology in running shoes. Design: Randomized repeated measures. Methods: Twenty-two men, recreational runners (18-45 years) ran 12 km/h with running shoes with four different cushioning systems. Outcome measures included nine items related to perception of comfort and 12 biomechanical measures related to the ground reaction forces and plantar pressures. Repeated measure ANOVAs, Pearson correlation coefficients, and step-wise multiple regression analyses were employed (p <= 0.05). Results: No significant correlations were found between the perception of comfort and the biomechanical parameters for the four types of investigated shoes. Regression analysis revealed that 56% of the perceived general comfort can be explained by the variables push-off rate and pressure integral over the forefoot (p = 0.015) and that 33% of the perception of comfort over the forefoot can be explained by second peak force and push-off rate (p = 0.016). Conclusions: The results did not demonstrate significant relationships between the perception of comfort and the biomechanical parameters for the three types of shoes investigated (Gel, Air, and ethylene-vinyl acetate). Only the shoe with Adiprene+ technology had its general comfort and cushioning perception predicted by the loads over the forefoot. Thus, in general, one cannot predict the perception of comfort of a running shoe through impact and plantar pressure received. (C) 2013 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.