Long-term effects of military boots of Polyurethane and Thermoplastic polyurethane mileage on ground reaction forces and lower limb muscle activities during running

Abstract Background and purpose: Lower limb injuries during running are very common in the active population with a ۲-year incidence of ۶۶% (۷۳% for women and ۶۲% for men). A total of ۲۸ lower extremity alterations have been reported in the literature as injuries related to running, including medial tibial stress syndrome, Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, patellar tendinopathy, ankle sprain, Iliotibial band syndrome, hamstring tendinopathy, tibial stress fracture, and patellofemoral pain. sports and training-related injury patterns frequently occur during basic military training. In the U.S. Army, ۸۰–۹۰% of the injuries occurred during this period are attributable to training related activities. on the other hand, Running is one of the most important activities for soldiers, and boots play an effective role in this activity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the long-term effects of military boots of Polyurethane and Thermoplastic polyurethane mileage on ground reaction forces and lower limb muscle activities during running Methods: The current research was a clinical trial. ۱۵ healthy male students (۲۰-۳۰ years old) used two different types of used and new boots. Using Bartec force plate with dimensions (۶۰ x ۴۰ cm۲), ground reaction forces were measured in vertical (Fz), anterior-posterior (Fy) and medio-lateral (Fx) directions while running at constant speed. Repeated measure ANOVA was used for statistical analysis at a significance level of ۰.۰۵. Results: Results did not demonstrate significant main effects of boot and time during running. Furthermore, significant boot-by-time interactions were found for FXHC (p=۰.۰۰۹, d=۲۲۰) and FXPO (p=۰.۰۱۳, d=۰.۲۰۱). Conclusion: The results of this study show that the type of boots used can be effective in preventing lower limb injuries. Therefore, the use of new operational boots is suggested for the military application.