The influence on a non-linear bending stiffness profile on sprint acceleration performance and MTP biomechanics

Abstract

Forefoot bending stiffness has been shown to influence both injury and performance. Regarding performance, specifically sprinting, research has shown increased bending stiffness resulted in improved performance (Stefanyshyn and Fusco, 2004). However, there is evidence suggesting increased bending stiffness has detrimental effects on performance during the acceleration phase of sprinting (Willwacher et al., 2016). Previous research has suggested a carbon fibre plate with a non-linear bending stiffness profile might negate the detrimental effects during sprint acceleration (Wannop et al., 2017).