Alternate Run Study

Investigating the Effect of Alternating Training Load and Footwear Singly or in Combination in Runners: The Alternate Run Study

The proposed study will investigate the effect of alternating footwear model and workout-type on the occurrence of running-related pain. To achieve this goal participants will be randomly assigned into one of four different groups who will perform: 1) the same workout throughout a week in the same running shoe model, 2) alternating workout-types throughout the week in the same shoe model, 3) the same workout throughout a week in alternating shoe models, and 4) alternating workouts in alternating shoes. Participants will be characterized based on body alignment, strength, injury and training history. Pain and injury status will be monitored.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subjects in this study will include adults (men and women) between the ages of 19 and 60, have been running on a regular basis (minimum once per week) over the past 6 months, are able to run for 60 minutes continuously, could tolerate 20-40km per week in training, and have not experienced a running related injury requiring a stoppage of 2-weeks or more in the past 6 months. Only neutral and pronated foot postures (Foot Posture Index between -2 and 8) will be recruited

Exclusion Criteria:

• have a history of surgery to their plantar fascia or Achilles tendon,
• have a diagnosis of osteoarthritis - or other degenerative musculoskeletal disorder - affecting the lower extremity,
• take analgesic or anti-inflammatory medication 2 or more times per week over the past 4 weeks,
• take part in high impact activities 2 or more times per week during the study period