Reddy Care Physical Therapy

Soft Ground Can Be Hard of the Body-A Physical Therapist’s Perspective

Today’s article in the New York Times, “For Runners, Soft Ground can be Hard on the Body”, by Gina Kolata, brings up important points about running on soft vs. hard surfaces.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/19/health/nutrition/19best.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

There has been the long standing notion that softer surfaces would be more forgiving on the body; decreasing the compressive loading forces as the foot hit the ground and the ground reaction forces were transmitted through the foot and corresponding kinetic chain of the knee, hip and spine.

The hard science hasn’t fully supported this, while the empirical evidence was that many runners did experience other soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains as a result of encountering unstable yet softer surfaces. Dr. Warden’s point about abrupt changes being risky is clearly worth noting as is the fact that gradual changes allows for adaptation by the body. Runners have always been advised to make training changes gradually and methodically, and for good reason.

For more information, speak to one of our physical therapists at 516-829-0030.

Reference: NY Times