Comparing the Effects of Fatigue Caused by the Treadmill and Overground Running on the Pattern of Plantar Pressure Distribution

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the effects of fatigue due to overground and treadmill running on the plantar pressure distribution pattern.  Methods: Twelve novice athletes (Mean±SD age=26.0±2.5 y, Mean±SD weight: 52.0±3.0 kg, Mean±SD height: 159.0±5.0 cm), without sports injuries over the past year, were selected. Overground and treadmill running created fatigue in the samples. Peak plantar pressure distribution, Center of Pressure, contact area, and impulse the samples were recorded using a footscan (Footscan Version 7 Gait 2nd generation software) pressure system during running before and after the fatigue protocol and analyzed with repeated measures ANOVA in SPSS v. 18.  Results: Peak plantar pressure on the second to fifth toe , the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones, and medial part of the heel significantly increased. The shift in the Center of Pressure of the foot was non-significant in all stages. The contact area at the second metatarsal and midfoot area shifted only before the fatigue protocol on overground running. Impulse at the second to fifth toe, first to fifth metatarsal, significantly increased in the ground running.  Conclusion: The results showed that fatigue due to treadmill running has different effects compared to fatigue due to overground running.