Latest Research: Performance Gains, Shockwave Debate, Arch Support Science

Latest Research: Performance Gains, Shockwave Debate, Arch Support Science

From The Run Smarter Podcast by Brodie Sharpe

May 24, 2026 · 42 min · Episode 442

About this episode

Brodie discusses recent research on running performance, shockwave therapy, and the effectiveness of arch supports for plantar fasciitis.

Learn more about Brodie's Research Database & AI Assistant 📄🔍 For MORE Run Smarter Resources 🏃‍♂️📚 - Including Free Injury Prevention Courses 🩹🎓 - The Run Smarter Book 📖 - Access to Research Papers 📄🔍 - & Ways to Work with Brodie 🤝👟 👉 CLICK HERE! 🎉✨ Latest Research: Performance Gains, Shockwave Debate, Arch Support Science In this month’s research roundup, Brodie breaks down three fascinating new papers covering running performance, Achilles rehab and plantar fasciitis management. First, a large systematic review investigates what actually predicts better running performance in non-elite runners — from 5K athletes through to ultramarathoners. The findings reveal how the demands of performance dramatically change depending on race distance, highlighting the importance of physiology, training consistency, psychology and fueling strategies. Next, Brodie unpacks a controversial new systematic review and meta-analysis on shockwave therapy for Achilles tendinopathy. Does shockwave actually improve outcomes, or has the treatment become overhyped within sports medicine? The findings may surprise clinicians and runners alike. Finally, a new plantar fasciitis paper…

People in this episode

Host: Brodie Sharpe

Topics covered

  • running performance
  • Achilles rehab
  • plantar fasciitis management
  • shockwave therapy
  • performance predictors
  • orthotics

Keywords

  • running performance
  • Achilles tendinopathy
  • plantar fasciitis
  • shockwave therapy
  • orthotics
  • systematic review
  • meta-analysis
  • sports medicine

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Run Smarter Podcast, AI Assistant, Research Database, Achilles, plantar fasciitis, shockwave therapy, sports medicine, orthotics

More episodes of The Run Smarter Podcast

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Run Smarter Podcast podcast page.