Abstract:
Sports injuries often arise from the limited ability of the human locomotor system to effectively store and release elastic energy during high-demand activities (Nigg & Wakeling, 2001). Current athletic footwear technologies rely heavily on energy-absorbing polymers that reduce impact forces but provide minimal energy return—potentially predisposing athletes to overuse injuries (Kulessa et al., 2021). Emerging innovations in reactive polymeric materials represent a paradigm shift: these materials can simultaneously cushion impact and return energy to the athlete, opening new clinical pathways in sports podiatry. Their integration holds the potential not only to reduce injury risk, but also to enhance athletic performance and optimize functional recovery (Hoitz et al., 2022). This talk will discuss the latest evidence, technological advances, and clinical implications of reactive polymers—highlighting how biomechanics, materials science, and podiatric medicine converge to transform sports healthcare.
Bio:
Dr. Rubén Sánchez-Gómez is a Professor of Podiatry at Complutense University of Madrid and an internationally recognized researcher in sports biomechanics, orthopedic foot treatments, and ultrasound diagnosis. He has authored or co-authored over 40 JCR-indexed papers and 18 book chapters, contributing significantly to the advancement of clinical podiatry and sports medicine. A large part of his research focuses on sports biomechanics, particularly through electromyographic studies analyzing muscle activity during running and the functional effects of innovative orthotic designs. Dr. Sánchez-Gómez has presented his work at numerous international conferences across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. He is currently developing novel cushioning materials for orthopedic and sports footwear during a prestigious research fellowship at Nanyang Technological University (Singapore). He has participated in multiple Erasmus teaching programs and is a member of five international research groups. In addition, he serves as reviewer for several PubMed-indexed journals and as editor of Applied Sciences. His career highlights the integration of clinical expertise with cutting-edge biomechanical research and strong international collaboration.
