Heart Rate Response during Treadmill Running in Adidas _1 DLX Computerized Running Shoes at Various Shoe Settings

Advisor: David S. SenchinaBACKGROUND: Runners encounter a wide variety of terrains of varying hardness which can be modified by midsole cushioning. Cushioned shoes are recommended for athletes to decrease impact forces. The adidas_1 DLXTM shoe is advertised as being able to provide appropriate cushioning levels for different athletes on different terrains. PURPOSE: The purpose of the experiment was to investigate the effects of a commercially available computerized running shoe (adidas_l DLXTM) on heart rate and feelings of foot comfort. The data collected will be used to validate or refute some of the manufacturer's claims, and make recommendations to consumers about these types of shoes. HYPOTHESES: We hypothesized that the different settings on the adidas_l DLXTM shoe would influence heart rate and subjective foot comfort ratings. METHODS: Nine males (23 ± 3.6 yrs) ran 4 10-minute trials on a treadmill at a fixed speed, once in their own self-selected shoes and three times in the adidas_1 DLXTM shoes at automatic, manual hard, or manual soft settings. Heart rate was measured at 5, 7.5, and 10 minutes. Foot comfort was measured immediately after each trial. RESULTS: Shoe comfort ratings for all adidas_1 DLXTM settings were approximately 30% lower compared to self-selected shoes. There was no statistically-significant difference in heart rate between the trials. CONCLUSIONS: Mid-sole cushioning influences the comfort felt by runners. The data showed no significant relationship between mid-sole cushioning and heart rate, but did show that runners felt more comfortable in their own self-selected shoes versus the adidas_1 DLXTM shoes at any setting.Drake University, College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Biology and Biology Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Progra