Kevin Crockett, Utah Valley University
Health
Purpose
Ultra marathon runners (UM – exceeding 26.2 miles) often change out their shoes during a race. Reportedly, this is due to change in terrain and in foot volumetrics. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in pre and post foot volumetrics for Ultra Marathon (UM – exceeding 26.2 miles) runners. Based upon the anticipated trauma/edema on the feet as a result of 50 miles and 14,000 vertical feet of mountain trail, our hypothesis was that there would be an increase in the volume of the foot during an UM.
Methods
The night before and with in 5 minutes after completing a 50 mile and 14,000 vertical foot mountain race, a mix of 21 ultra marathon male and/or female runners’ left foot volumetrics were assessed using a Lucite Foot Volumeter, set with a volumeter container (water displacement) and an obtorator for standardization.
Results
The data revealed that foot volumes decreased from as little as 21% and as much as 53 % in the measured foot between pre to post event measurements.
Discussion
This study indicated that our hypothesis of anticipated increased foot volume was incorrect, but rather the null of decreased foot volume was correct. As the foot volumes decrease, the runner’s foot has a greater chance of shifting in their shoe thus causing injury to the runner, consequently preventing the runner from competing at their full potential. This suggests that one might contemplate the dynamics of the feet and thus take appropriate action to accommodate the changes in the feet during an UM. For example, one might change the size of shoe throughout an ultra marathon in order to facilitate best outcomes with the feet.