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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2016 Apr;50(8):481-7.
doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2015-095031. Epub 2016 Jan 8.

Injury risk in runners using standard or motion control shoes: a randomised controlled trial with participant and assessor blinding

Laurent Malisoux  1 , Nicolas Chambon  2 , Nicolas Delattre  2 , Nils Gueguen  2 , Axel Urhausen  3 , Daniel Theisen  1
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Injury risk in runners using standard or motion control shoes: a randomised controlled trial with participant and assessor blinding

Laurent Malisoux et al. Br J Sports Med. 2016 Apr.

Abstract

Background/aim: This randomised controlled trial investigated if the usage of running shoes with a motion control system modifies injury risk in regular leisure-time runners compared to standard shoes, and if this influence depends on foot morphology.

Methods: Recreational runners (n=372) were given either the motion control or the standard version of a regular running shoe model and were followed up for 6 months regarding running activity and injury. Foot morphology was analysed using the Foot Posture Index method. Cox regression analyses were used to compare injury risk between the two groups, based on HRs and their 95% CIs, controlling for potential confounders. Stratified analyses were conducted to evaluate the effect of motion control system in runners with supinated, neutral and pronated feet.

Results: The overall injury risk was lower among the participants who had received motion control shoes (HR=0.55; 95% CI 0.36 to 0.85) compared to those receiving standard shoes. This positive effect was only observed in the stratum of runners with pronated feet (n=94; HR=0.34; 95% CI 0.13 to 0.84); there was no difference in runners with neutral (n=218; HR=0.78; 95% CI 0.44 to 1.37) or supinated feet (n=60; HR=0.59; 95% CI 0.20 to 1.73). Runners with pronated feet using standard shoes had a higher injury risk compared to those with neutral feet (HR=1.80; 95% CI 1.01 to 3.22).

Conclusions: The overall injury risk was lower in participants who had received motion control shoes. Based on secondary analysis, those with pronated feet may benefit most from this shoe type.

Keywords: Foot; Injury; Running shoes; Sporting injuries.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Illustration of the two technical features (coloured in black for illustration purposes) designed to limit the pronation movement of the runners. (A) Represents a piece of rigid plastic (thermoplastic polyurethane) located on the medial side, under the midfoot at the midsole edge. (B) Area of the harder midsole EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam. These elements were not recognisable on the shoe version distributed.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Flow chart of volunteers and study participants.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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