The Effect of Shoe Insole Composition on the Shock Absorption of Varying Body Masses In Runners

Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) is a shin injury that often occurs during running from inadequate shoe support. An option for preventing symptoms is wearing shoe insoles that absorb shock. This study seeked to determine which materials are best for shoe insoles in preventing MTSS in runners. In this experiment, various materials were placed under a force gauge and compressed under various force loads to simulate shock. The materials\u27 thicknesses were measured initially, under different force loads, and after compression. It was hypothesized that fiberglass would compress the least, polyurethane the most, and neoprene would have the greatest rebound. It was found that the mean percent compression of fiberglass and polyurethane was 0% and 77.20%. The mean percent rebound of neoprene was 100%. The results were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA, which showed that materials and force loads yielded significantly different means of compression; for both factors, p\u3c0.001, with α=0.05. However, a Tukey test showed that force load alone did not create significant differences in compression. Another ANOVA was conducted on percent rebound of each material, producing significant results; p\u3c0.001, with α=0.05. Tukey tests for compression and rebound showed that fiberglass produced a significantly smaller mean of compression, and polyimide demonstrated a significantly smaller mean of rebound. Polyurethane did not compress the most, so the hypothesis was not supported. Hence, in an insole, fiberglass is ideal for support, and silicone and neoprene show promising qualities for cushioning