title: Economy benefits of running in advanced footwear technology shoes remain with plantarflexion fatigue

authors: Bidois, B

subjects: Calf muscle

abstract: 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.

text: Economy benefits of running in advanced footwear technology shoes remain with plantarflexion fatigue 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.

year: 2026

title: Sedimentologic and hydrodynamic trends along a modern fluvial to marine transition zone: Mud deposition in the Lower Waihou River, Aotearoa-New Zealand

authors: Roche, Ben

subjects: Process-response

abstract: The fluvial to marine transition zone (FMTZ) is a dynamic environment, subject to a mixture of marine and riverine forcing mechanisms. These processes control deposition of sediments, which can hold valuable natural resources. However, due to the complex process regime, the sedimentary successions from these areas can be difficult to interpret. This study aims to improve depositional models by linking quantified measurements of the active processes to their deposits along the transition zone, using a modern example of these systems, the Waihou River in the North Island of Aotearoa-New Zealand. This study produced three main findings, which are relevant to people researching ancient shallow marine strata: 1) The locus of mud deposition occurs in the middle of the transition zone due the combined influence of depositional and preservational controls. Mixing of marine and freshwater reduces landward, which limits flocculation, and hence, deposition of mud upstream. In contrast, preservation of mud deposits is reduced towards the mouth of the river as a result of faster flow speeds. Midway between these two endpoints is a region where deposition and preservation of mud is the largest within the FMTZ. 2) Fluid mud deposits are poorly preserved in the deepest parts of channels, likely due to the high energy levels in this environment. Nevertheless, our results do not preclude the possibility that significant accumulations may occur in the shallow parts of the cross-channel profile. 3) Mud facies diversity is an indicator of depositional position along the FMTZ. Facies diversity was greatest at the middle observational site, which corresponds to the area that is subject to the most variable process regime. The landward and seaward ends of the transition zone exhibit a greater level of dominance in solely riverine or marine depositional processes, respectively. This study yields new insights into the process-response relationships for mud deposition at the interface of land to sea.

text: Sedimentologic and hydrodynamic trends along a modern fluvial to marine transition zone: Mud deposition in the Lower Waihou River, Aotearoa-New Zealand The fluvial to marine transition zone (FMTZ) is a dynamic environment, subject to a mixture of marine and riverine forcing mechanisms. These processes control deposition of sediments, which can hold valuable natural resources. However, due to the complex process regime, the sedimentary successions from these areas can be difficult to interpret. This study aims to improve depositional models by linking quantified measurements of the active processes to their deposits along the transition zone, using a modern example of these systems, the Waihou River in the North Island of Aotearoa-New Zealand. This study produced three main findings, which are relevant to people researching ancient shallow marine strata: 1) The locus of mud deposition occurs in the middle of the transition zone due the combined influence of depositional and preservational controls. Mixing of marine and freshwater reduces landward, which limits flocculation, and hence, deposition of mud upstream. In contrast, preservation of mud deposits is reduced towards the mouth of the river as a result of faster flow speeds. Midway between these two endpoints is a region where deposition and preservation of mud is the largest within the FMTZ. 2) Fluid mud deposits are poorly preserved in the deepest parts of channels, likely due to the high energy levels in this environment. Nevertheless, our results do not preclude the possibility that significant accumulations may occur in the shallow parts of the cross-channel profile. 3) Mud facies diversity is an indicator of depositional position along the FMTZ. Facies diversity was greatest at the middle observational site, which corresponds to the area that is subject to the most variable process regime. The landward and seaward ends of the transition zone exhibit a greater level of dominance in solely riverine or marine depositional processes, respectively. This study yields new insights into the process-response relationships for mud deposition at the interface of land to sea.

year: 2022

title: Tū Māori Ake: Seeking which is above.

authors: Maxwell, Te Kahautu

abstract: Te Waka Āwhina 2015 Seeking that which is above Kaupapa - Philosophy o Aotearoa “Tū Māori ake” E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā karangatanga, nei rā te powhiri ki a koutou katoa ‘MĀ TE MĀORI, MŌ TE MĀORI’ Te Waka Āwhina o Aotearoa National Training Hui by Māori for Māori within local government Āwhea: 2 – 4 February 2015 Ki whea: The Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts, The University of Waikato, Hamilton Hau kāinga: Te Puku o te Ika.

text: Tū Māori Ake: Seeking which is above. Te Waka Āwhina 2015 Seeking that which is above Kaupapa - Philosophy o Aotearoa “Tū Māori ake” E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā karangatanga, nei rā te powhiri ki a koutou katoa ‘MĀ TE MĀORI, MŌ TE MĀORI’ Te Waka Āwhina o Aotearoa National Training Hui by Māori for Māori within local government Āwhea: 2 – 4 February 2015 Ki whea: The Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts, The University of Waikato, Hamilton Hau kāinga: Te Puku o te Ika.

year: 2015-02-03