Gender differences in multi-segment foot kinematics and plantar fascia strain during running

Abstract

This study aimed to determine whether there are gender differences in multi-segment foot kinematics and plantar fascia strain during running. Fifteen male and fifteen female participants ran at 4.0- m.s-1. Multi-segment foot kinematics and plantar fascia strain were quantified using a motion capture system and compared between genders using independent samples t-tests. The results showed that plantar fascia strain was significantly greater in males (0.09 ± 0.04) compared to females (0.06 ± 0.03). Furthermore male runners (-9.72 ± 3.09) were also associated with a significantly larger peak calcaneal eversion angle compared to females (-6.03 ± 2.33). Given the proposed relationship between high levels of plantar fascia strain as well as excessive coronal plane rotations of the foot segments and the etiology of injury, it is likely that the potential risk of the developing running injuries in relation to these mechanisms is higher in males.