Volume 12, Issue 4 (summer 2026)
IJRN 2026, 12(4): 0-0 |
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Barghamadi M, Barzegarfar L, Piri E. Biomechanical Effects of Advanced Footwear Technologies with Carbon-Fiber Plates in Runners: A Systematic Review. IJRN 2026; 12 (4) : 5
URL: http://ijrn.ir/article-1-1004-en.html
URL: http://ijrn.ir/article-1-1004-en.html
Associate Professor in Sport Biomechanics, Department of Sport Biomechanics, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
Abstract: (25 Views)
Introduction: Running is one of the most popular forms of physical activity, during which the lower extremities are repeatedly exposed to ground reaction forces. The structural characteristics of running footwear can influence lower-limb joint kinematics and muscle activation by altering force absorption and transmission. In recent years, footwear equipped with carbon-fiber plates and advanced midsole foams has attracted considerable research interest because of its potential to improve running economy and athletic performance. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to evaluate the biomechanical effects of advanced footwear technologies incorporating carbon-fiber plates on performance variables and injury-related biomechanical indicators in runners.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted for English- and Persian-language articles published between 2010 and June 2026 in Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, SID, Magiran, ISC, and Google Scholar. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Downs and Black checklist. In total, 10 eligible articles were included in the final review and synthesis.
Results: Five studies indicated that the geometric design of carbon-fiber plates and their interaction with advanced midsole foams play an important role in biomechanical performance, forefoot load distribution, and injury risk during prolonged running. Three studies reported that load-modulating technologies, including advanced running footwear and polyurethane nanocomposite insoles, may have potential for injury prevention. Two studies further indicated that although standard control shoes may reduce peak external ground reaction forces (GRF), advanced footwear technologies in trail runners may produce undesirable kinematic changes despite modifying specific biomechanical parameters.
Conclusions: Advanced footwear technologies may improve mechanical loading and running performance when appropriately matched to runners' biomechanical characteristics and performance levels. Shoe selection should therefore be individualized based on runner characteristics, foot-strike pattern, and running objectives to optimize potential performance benefits while minimizing injury-related risks.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted for English- and Persian-language articles published between 2010 and June 2026 in Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, SID, Magiran, ISC, and Google Scholar. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Downs and Black checklist. In total, 10 eligible articles were included in the final review and synthesis.
Results: Five studies indicated that the geometric design of carbon-fiber plates and their interaction with advanced midsole foams play an important role in biomechanical performance, forefoot load distribution, and injury risk during prolonged running. Three studies reported that load-modulating technologies, including advanced running footwear and polyurethane nanocomposite insoles, may have potential for injury prevention. Two studies further indicated that although standard control shoes may reduce peak external ground reaction forces (GRF), advanced footwear technologies in trail runners may produce undesirable kinematic changes despite modifying specific biomechanical parameters.
Conclusions: Advanced footwear technologies may improve mechanical loading and running performance when appropriately matched to runners' biomechanical characteristics and performance levels. Shoe selection should therefore be individualized based on runner characteristics, foot-strike pattern, and running objectives to optimize potential performance benefits while minimizing injury-related risks.
Article number: 5
Type of Study: Applicable |
Subject:
Sport Science
Received: 2026/06/9 | Accepted: 2026/09/18 | Published: 2026/09/17
Received: 2026/06/9 | Accepted: 2026/09/18 | Published: 2026/09/17
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