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Economy benefits of running in advanced footwear technology shoes remain with plantarflexion fatigue
(Springer, 2026) Bidois, B; Cumming, C; Giandolini, M; Nguyen, AP; Hébert-Losier, Kim
Purpose: We investigated the effects of plantarflexion fatigue on running economy (RE) response to advanced footwear technology (AFT) in a group of heterogenous runners. Secondary aims were to examine the relationships between plantarflexion power and RE responses to AFT, and effects of plantarflexion fatigue and footwear on biomechanical measures. Methods: Sixty-four runners completed two laboratory sessions. Session one involved a peak oxygen uptake test. Session two included two RE tests in both a Control and AFT shoe before plantarflexion fatigue, and two rounds of plantarflexion fatigue before reassessment of RE in one of the two shoes (counterbalanced). Plantarflexion power was assessed at baseline, and before and after each fatigue protocol. Video-based running biomechanics were recorded during all RE tests. Results: RE measures were improved in AFT (35.3 ± 5.0 mL/kg/min, 12.5 ± 1.8 W/kg, 4.18 ± 0.40 J/kg/m) versus Control (36.8 ± 5.2 mL/kg/min, 13.1 ± 1.9 W/kg, 4.37 ± 0.40 J/kg/m), and better pre-fatigue (35.7 ± 5.1 mL/kg/min, 12.7 ± 1.8 W/kg, 4.25 ± 0.40 J/kg/m) than post-fatigue (36.4 ± 5.2 mL/kg/min, 12.8 ± 1.9 W/kg, 4.30 ± 0.42 J/kg/m). Plantarflexion power decreased 6.5% post-fatigue. Despite these significant effects of AFT and plantarflexion fatigue on RE, no interactions were observed (P ≥ 0.476). Baseline plantarflexion power and changes in power did not correlate with AFT responses (P ≥ 0.566). Statistically significant differences indicated AFT reduced ground contact time and foot strike angle and increased cycle time and duty factor, with plantarflexion fatigue increasing cycle time and duty factor; however, estimates of differences were generally within the limits of instrumental resolution. Conclusion: Plantarflexion fatigue and plantarflexion power were not associated with RE responses to AFT, opposing the idea that plantarflexion strength explains variability in AFT response. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Trials Registry, ACTRN12624000753550, 18th June 2024.
How does it feel to run in minimalist and advanced footwear technology shoes: A qualitative study involving male recreational runners
(PLOS, 2025-12-01) Hébert-Losier, Kim; Knighton, H; Finlayson, S; Peterson, B; Mousavi, Seyed Hamed
We examined the perceptions and experiences of male recreational runners when using minimalist racing flats (FLAT, Saucony Endorphin Racer 2) and advanced footwear technology (AFT, Nike Vaporfly 4%) shoes, compared with their habitual shoes (OWN). Eighteen runners completed three 1.5 km outdoor trials, running in OWN first, followed by FLAT and AFT in a randomised counter-balanced order. Semi-structured interviews conducted before and after each trial provided qualitative data, analysed using a six-phase reflexive thematic approach. Five interconnected themes emerged: ‘novelty and familiarity’, ‘feel’, ‘performance’, ‘biomechanics’, and ‘injury’. Runners’ perceptions were shaped by iterative feedback loops combining experiential, educated, and instinctual assessments. OWN shoes were generally ranked highest for comfort and lowest for perceived injury risk due to familiarity and balanced design. Novel shoes elicited mixed reactions. FLAT shoes were valued for their lightweight and natural feel, but raised concerns about discomfort and potential injury from minimal cushioning and support. AFT shoes were appreciated for their bounciness and performance potential, but raised concerns about instability and excessive cushioning. Findings indicate that footwear comfort is multifaceted, context-dependent, and not always aligned with performance or injury reduction. Runners often prioritised performance over comfort in competitive scenarios, highlighting the inherent trade-offs in footwear selection and the importance of personalised approaches. Concerns about injury and biomechanics changes underscore the need for gradual transitions to novel footwear. By adopting a real-world approach, this study advances understanding of footwear perceptions, emphasises the dynamic and subjective nature of runners’ experiences, and offers practical implications for runners, clinicians, and shoe manufacturers.
Consciousness-centered stewardship: An indigenous standpoint
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2025) Spiller, Chellie; Nicholson, A; Spiller, R
Dominion-driven stewardship, which stages human interventions with an anthropocentric lens, externalises problems. We present consciousness-centered stewardship, seen through the Māori ethic of kaitiakitanga, as the missing connective tissue that looks to fix ourselves. We advocate an approach that appreciates a collective self-intelligence in the world and being a steward with a “conscious mind” as part of a transformative way forward. Sustainable development from this perspective thus includes paying attention to personal growth.
10-year survival comparison of two cemented implants in primary total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis: A New Zealand regional study
(Springer, 2025) Pearce, Amy; Joshi, Chaitanya; Chan, Georgina; Lamberton, Tony; MacLean, Simon; Vane, Andrew; Hébert-Losier, Kim
Introduction Compare 10-year survival of the cemented highly crosslinked polyethylene Exeter® Rimfit™ (Rimfit) Cup and its predecessor, the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene Exeter® Contemporary Flanged Cup™ (ECF), both with an Exeter® V40™ stem, in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) for osteoarthritis in the Bay of Plenty region of NZ. Method We extracted national registry data for THA surgeries in the region between 1 January 2003 and 30 June 2023 and report the 10-year survival and reasons for revision of the two fully cemented implants (n = 495). We compared standard Kaplan-Meier estimates using the log-rank test. Cox proportional hazard models investigated the potential influence of six patient variables on the survival of each implant: sex, age, body mass index (BMI), ethnicity, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) rating, and funding source (public/private). Results No statistically significant difference in 10-year survival rate between the implants (p = 0.334) (ECF 95.6% [93.4, 97.9], Rimfit 97.0% [95.9, 98.2]) or statistically significant difference in revision reasons between the implants (p = 0.09) was noted. Cox regression revealed no statistically significant influence of any of the six patient variables on the 10-year survival of the ECF (p = 0.584) or Rimfit (p = 0.611). Conclusion Both implants exceeded 95% survival at 10-years, which is favourable compared to the corresponding 94.8% national survivorship of cemented implants in NZ. There is no statistically significant difference in the 10-year survival rate or reasons for revision of the two cemented implants compared in this region. The Rimfit appears a suitable alternative to the ECF, from a survival and revision perspective.
15-year patient-reported outcomes of a cemented flanged cup and stem combination in primary total hip arthroplasty: A New Zealand study
(SAGE, 2026) Pearce, Amy; Joshi, Chaitanya; Chan, Georgina; Lamberton, Tony; MacLean, Simon; Vane, Andrew; Hébert-Losier, Kim
Methods: We investigated 15-year patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) and their predictors in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) for osteoarthritis using a cemented flanged cup and stem from a regional joint registry in New Zealand. Regional data were collected for all primary THAs with this cemented combination from 1 January 2003 to 30 June 2023 who had recorded PROMs on at least 1 occasion (n = 263). PROMs included Oxford Hip Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index and Veterans Rand-12, evaluated against patient age, ethnicity, sex, body mass index (BMI), funding pathway, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) rating. Results: Significant improvements across preoperative PROMs were noted 1-year post-surgery, with a mean change above 23 in the Oxford Hip Score maintained at 5, 10, and 15 years (p ⩽ 0.001). Conclusions: Regression analysis indicated that being female, public funding, and higher BMI were associated with worse preoperative PROMs. Poorer preoperative scores, older age and ASA 3 rating correlated with poorer postoperative outcomes.