Footstrike patterns in runners: Concepts, classifications, techniques, and implications for running-related injuries

Abstract

The footstrike pattern of an athlete is understood as the way the foot touches the ground. Over the years, several definitions and techniques to classify and quantify footstrike patterns have been described. Therefore, this narrative review summarizes the existing classifications of footstrike patterns, gives suggestions for further use of these classifications, and provides a summary of the relationship between footstrike patterns and the occurrence of overuse injuries. › Footstrike patterns are classified by using nominal (e.g. forefoot strike, midfoot strike, rearfoot strike) or continuous variables (e.g. footstrike angle). Possible assessments include visual, video-based, 3D-biomechanical, force plate-based or inertial measurement unit-based analysis. › Scientists, coaches, and clinicians can choose between different methods to analyze footstrike patterns in runners. All approaches to classify footstrike patterns have advantages and limitations. In certain situations, it might be beneficial to combine these methods. Despite great efforts in analyzing footstrike patterns, relationships between footstrike patterns and running-related injuries are mostly unclear at present. Based on the current literature, causal links to overuse injuries, recommendations to change running technique, and other simplifications solely based on the footstrike pattern must be considered critically.