The Relationship Between Athletic Footwear and Lower Body Injuries in Athletes
Date of Award
Summer 6-28-2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Coaching and Athletic Administration
Department
Kinesiology
First Advisor
Dr. Lana Huberty
Abstract
Footwear is a luxury that most people in our society take for granted. Shoe help support our feet and keep our bodies healthy. Footwear is also a large component of athletic performance. Athletic footwear has also been known to help both athletic performance and keep an athlete injury free. The real question is what kind of shoe helps an athlete achieve both objectives? This research proposal aims to answer that question by investigating the relationship between athletic footwear and lower body injuries. Researchers would contact area college athletic trainers around the Twin Cities to inquire about potential student-athlete participation. Thirty collegiate student-athletes would be selected to participate would fill out a background survey. The participants would represent varying injury, shoe, and athletic backgrounds. During the study, the participants would inform the researchers through a daily questionnaire about how they are feeling each day when it comes to aches, pains, and injuries. In addition, participants will be observed during their training sessions to see how their biomechanics work. There has been research done about the myth in the relationship between athletic footwear and injuries, but there is not a lot of evidence to support either side. The goal of this research is to better inform athletes, coaches, and athletic trainers about the effect their footwear choices have on their ability to stay injury-free.