Gait analysis and shoe recommendation for recreational runners

TIDieR checklist: How does shoe recommendation based on gait analysis influence subjective measures of comfort, performance, and injury prevention? Runners will participate in a gait analysis reflecting common in-store practices. The gait analysis will take approximately 10 minutes at the beginning of the intervention and will include shoe wear pattern assessment, foot measurement with a Brannock device, standing, walking, and running over a pressure sensor mat, and single leg squats. They will then be randomly assigned in a repeated measures study design two identical shoe constructions, albeit masked by color and deceived into believing that they are using different shoes. Runners will be randomly assigned shoe order (control and experimental) and receive informational descriptions as part of the intervention (basic/recommended shoe). Runners will be convinced that one shoe is a basic shoe that can be used in distance running, while the other shoe from the lab will be matched to their individual running style based on their gait analysis. Surveys after each running bout will be collected using Qualtrics offline surveys on an iPad to rate their experience. Runners will use their own shoes as a washout period after each experimental condition within the single session (5 mins running, 5 minutes rest). Runners will also complete a final ranking survey comparing each of the shoes. Basic shoe: This shoe model is quite basic. It is a generic shoe that doesn’t necessarily match your foot shape or running style. Basically, it CAN be used for distance running, but it is not specifically suited to you. Recommended shoe: Based on all the tests we did and the 6 pairs of shoes we have in the lab, this pair is the best option for you to maximize your comfort. Since this shoe matches your foot shape and running style, it will be extra comfortable when you run. We know from research that when a shoe is super comfortable and matches your body and running style, it usually leads to better performance and lower injury risk. The primary researcher will conduct all participant interventions and has a background in sports science research. Participants will interact face to face for a single session after being recruited via clubs, stores, and word of mouth. The intervention will occur at the University of Waikato Adam's center for sport performance in the university lab. Participants will run 4 bouts after a brief warm up, 5 minutes each bout. They will only experience the intervention (gait analysis) once in their single session visit prior to running in shoe conditions. The total session length is approximately 1 hour.