Effects of cleat stiffness on footwear comfort and performance in American football: A randomized control trial

摘要

Comfort and performance are the most desirable features that athletes consider when selecting footwear (Hennig & Sterzing, 2010). While footwear stiffness modifications aim to reduce the number of foot and ankle injuries during activity, the interaction between the foot and shoe surface can directly influence the perceived comfort, and therefore have functional performance implications (Wintana, Goo-netilleke, Xiong, & Au, 2009). The effects of varying levels of shoe plate stiffness on comfort and functional performance are not well understood, particularly across an athletic season.