Do Impacts Cause Running Injuries? a Prospective Investigation

During running, the foot collides with the ground approximately 1000 times per mile. These collisions vary significantly by the strike pattern that the runner adopts. A rearfoot strike pattern results in a very distinct vertical impact peak that is missing in a midfoot or forefoot strike landing (Figure 1) [1]. The impact peak of a rearfoot strike is associated with higher rates of loading compared with a forefoot strike pattern. Impact peak magnitudes are also positively correlated to tibial shock. Interestingly, increased vertical impact peaks, loading rates and tibial shock have been associated with a history of tibial stress fractures [2], plantar fasciitis [3], and more recently, patellofemoral pain syndrome [4].