Effects of 10k distance running on lower limb biomechanics and plantar pressure distribution

Meng Sun; Yuan Wang; Yufei Fang; Zixiang Gao; Qichang Mei

doi:10.37190/abb/220535

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Effects of 10k distance running on lower limb biomechanics and plantar pressure distribution

Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics

Volume 28 (2026): Issue 1 (March 2026)

By: Meng Sun, Yuan Wang, Yufei Fang, Zixiang Gao and Qichang Mei

Open Access

|Oct 2026

Abstract

Purpose

To investigate the time-series changes in lower limb joint kinematics, kinetics, and plantar pressure pre-10 km and post-10 km running, and report the biomechanical changes in the lower limb following long-distance running and provide a theoretical basis for injury prevention.

Methods

Twenty healthy male recreational runners completed a 10 km treadmill run at a speed of 12 km/h. Lower limb kinematics, kinetics, and plantar pressure were collected pre-10 km and post-10 km running using Vicon motion capture system, Kistler force platform, and Footscan pressure plate. Paired t-tests were used to analyze changes in joint range of motion (ROM) and moments, and Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM1d) was applied to examine the time-series differences.

Results

Following a 10k run, the multi-dimensional biomechanical alterations were observed. Bilateral hip and knee adduction-abduction ROM increased significantly, while left hip internal-external rotation ROM decreased. Right hip extension, abduction, and internal rotation moments increased; and the left hip extension moment increased, but abduction and internal rotation moments decreased. Right knee flexion moment decreased and abduction moment increased, while left knee abduction moment increased. Right ankle plantarflexion moment increased significantly. Plantar loadings showed increased total pressure during early stance, elevated medial heel pressure, and reduced pressure in the first metatarsal and other toe regions.

Conclusion

A 10k distance run led to significant alterations in lower limb joint control, moment distribution, and plantar pressure patterns. These changes may be associated with increased injury risks, highlighting the importance of addressing biomechanical adaptations under fatigue conditions during training session and injury prevention strategies.

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Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37190/abb/220535 | Journal eISSN: 2450-6303 | Journal ISSN: 1509-409X

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Language: English

Page range: 120 - 135

Submitted on: Jan 26, 2026

Accepted on: Apr 10, 2026

Published on: Oct 28, 2026

Published by: Wroclaw University of Science and Technology

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Publication frequency: 4 issues per year

Keywords:

Related subjects:

Bioengineering and biomedical engineering,

Cellular and tissue engineering,

Biomechanics,

Medicine,

Biomedical engineering,

Materials sciences,

Biomaterials and natural materials

© 2026 Meng Sun, Yuan Wang, Yufei Fang, Zixiang Gao, Qichang Mei, published by Wroclaw University of Science and Technology
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Volume 28 (2026): Issue 1 (March 2026)