Sasa Cigoja (author); Jared R. Fletcher (author); Michael Esposito (author); Darren J. Stefanyshyn (author); Benno M. Nigg (author)
Date issued
2021-01-01; 2021-01-01
Description
In recent years, increasing the midsole bending stifness (MBS) of running shoes by embedding carbon fbre plates in the midsole resulted in many world records set during long-distance running competitions. Although several theories were introduced to unravel the mechanisms behind these performance benefts, no defnitive explanation was provided so far. This study aimed to investigate how the function of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscle and Achilles tendon is altered when running in shoes with increased MBS. Here, we provide the frst direct evidence that the amount and velocity of GM muscle fascicle shortening is reduced when running with increased MBS. Compared to control, running in...
