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Study note

Effects of hybrid custom foot orthoses on running economy, running mechanics and comfort: A double-blinded randomized crossover study.

PMID 39891963 (2025): hybrid, custom — Running economy (study note for endurance athletes).

Updated Jul 22, 2026

Read the study note

Study note • PMID 39891963

Effects of hybrid custom foot orthoses on running economy, running mechanics and comfort: A double-blinded randomized crossover study.

Gait & posture2025 • DOI 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2025.01.030

How to use this page

This note summarizes one study record. Check the participants, methods, results, and limitations before applying it to training.

  • Design signal: randomized trial.
  • Population relevance: athlete/trained context.
  • Consistency: single-study evidence.
  • Practical recommendation depends on tolerance, context, and whether it protects training consistency.

ELI5

In plain language

This study examined the effects of orthotic materials on running economy, running mechanics, and footwear comfort. (randomized trial; athletes).

The abstract doesn’t indicate a clear change in Running economy under the tested conditions. Treat this as a signal, not a guarantee; confirm methods and context in the full paper.

Takeaways

What the abstract suggests

  • Study question: This study examined the effects of orthotic materials on running economy, running mechanics, and footwear comfort.
  • The abstract doesn’t indicate a clear change in Running economy under the tested conditions.
  • Population: athletes.
  • Protocol cues (title/abstract): 3 km.

Protocol

Protocol (as reported)

  • Intervention/exposure: hybrid, custom (vs comparison group).
  • Dose/time/duration cues in abstract/title: 3 km.
  • Outcomes: Running economy.
  • Replication note: abstracts often omit adherence and timing; confirm details before changing training or supplementation.

Fit

Who it may help, and who should be cautious

Who it helps

  • Athletes similar to the study population (athletes) working on biomechanics.
  • Athletes who can measure Running economy with a repeatable workout or time-trial effort.

Who should be cautious

  • If you have symptoms or conditions that make the intervention risky, get professional guidance.
  • If you’re near race day and can’t safely test, defer the experiment.

Methods

What the study actually did

  • Design: randomized trial (double-blind).
  • Population: athletes.
  • Comparator: comparison group.
  • Outcomes measured: Running economy.
  • Protocol cues mentioned: 3 km.
  • Source: PubMed PMID 39891963 (2025) — Gait & posture.

Results excerpt

What the abstract reports

All custom foot orthoses materials reduced peak heel impact force vs CON (p < 0.001).

Note: excerpts are short; for full context, read the paper.

Limits

Limitations and bias

  • Abstract-only summaries can miss critical details (population, protocol, adherence, and context).
  • Single studies often don’t generalize to your event, history, and training load; treat results as a starting point.
  • If your context differs (elite vs recreational; cycling vs running), adjust expectations and be conservative.
  • This is performance information, not medical advice.

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Sources