Running shoes

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Edited by Dr. Stefano Casali

4. The anti-shock inserts and the general wear of the shoe

Another "other important innovation introduced since the 80s but developed and consolidated over the following decades is the widespread diffusion of shock-absorbing systems in training footwear, these are usually positioned, with obviously different thicknesses, in the" midsole of the shoe. in the anterior part under the metatarsal line and in the posterior one, in this case in the area below the heel.

The task of these structures is simple and at the same time very important, and consists of a very important filtering and shock-absorbing action for the protection of the joint and muscle-tendon structures that the athlete uses during training. There are many types of antishock systems, practically every house relies on a different technology a little "for technical choice", probably for commercial needs. Faced with so much choice, the athlete may initially be confused but, usually, experimenting with various footwear, he turns to that system that seems to guarantee him a better performance and optimal comfort. Whatever the athlete's choice, it is important to make a valid consideration for everyone. the systems: the shock-absorbing power of these structures decreases with the number of kilometers traveled or hours of use, and in this case a periodic general check-up of the shoe and possibly replace it, regardless of the external appearance, is of fundamental importance But how long can the shock absorbing unit fitted to a running shoe last? According to the laboratories that produce the empty hexagonal cell system adopted by a German company, it maintains 90% of the damping power for about 1000 km of normal use (running): these values could show significant variations, however, if we were to consider the use. of the shoe in different types of training such as exercises that involve jumps and repeated runs at a sustained pace. The average life of a training shoe for athletes who train on the bottom a minimum of three times a week does not exceed six months and this figure makes us reflect on how much they have to take this aspect into consideration and what inconveniences they would encounter when training with an "empty" shoe. of road and comfort with the sharp blows that the wheels would transmit directly to you laio, then to the cockpit. In the case of an "unloaded" shoe, therefore, all the osteo-articular and muscle-tendon structures lose a precious filter capable of effectively reducing the stresses and loads transmitted by the impact of the foot on the ground.

Conclusions

There is no doubt that the part of the body most stressed in the greatest number of sports activities is constituted by the foot: this complex and marvelous structure defined by Leonardo as "an" engineering masterpiece "is made up of 26 bones, 19 muscles, 33 joints and 107 ligaments. that interface the athlete with the external environment and is a source of amazing performances and at the same time the origin of many ailments that afflict him. According to a "survey by the" Institute of Sports Science of the C.O.N.I, the foot alone is responsible for a third of all the problems that can affect the athlete. On the basis of this, it appears important that athletes are directed towards the choice of a training shoe that really meets their needs; the new technologies applied to the construction of sports shoes have led to a highly diversified offer capable of satisfying any type of request. Being aware of the existence of specific models for different body weights can allow athletes with different weight characteristics to take advantage of the appropriate shoe, thus carrying out their workouts in complete safety. perhaps by means of a baropodometric examination, it puts the athlete in a position to opt for a shoe model suited to his needs, directing him towards the choice of a shoe with neutral characteristics or with an anti-pronation insert. The most important aspect, however, in a preventive key, is that linked to the consumption of footwear: too many times we see athletes in sports fields and gyms who train with worn shoes and now devoid of their functional characteristics; contribution of another technological innovation introduced in sports footwear in recent years, that constituted by shock-absorbing systems. These represent precious allies of the sportsman in the prevention of muscle-tendon and ligamentous suffering of the foot, talalgia and other inflammatory phenomena that they can occur in other districts of the locomotor system. If it is true that the feet are the starting and ending point of all muscle chains, one can well understand their importance in the mechanics of every sporting gesture, a rational choice and a small investment for the periodic change of one's training shoes. important elements can be found in a preventive key, both for the occasional sportsman and for the professional athlete.

Bibliography

K.Tittel, Functional anatomy of man, Italian edition edited by G.Marinozzi- Edi Ermes, 1980.

I.A. Kapandj, Articular Physiology 2nd volume - Monduzzi, 1999.

M.Pasquali, articles from "Tartan" Athletics magazine- 1999-2000.

G.Bordin, Report to the 1st Institute seminar on training shoe-I.S.E.F. Rome 1999.

C. Vittori and coll. ; Speed races - F.I.D.A.L Center for studies and research, 1995.