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Linares-Martín JÁ, Rico-González M. Influence of Minimalist Footwear in Middle and Long Distance Runners' Physical Fitness, Biomechanics, and Injury Incidence: A Systematic Review. Strength Cond J 2022. [DOI: 10.1519/ssc.0000000000000748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Encarnación-Martínez A, Wikstrom E, García-Gallart A, Sanchis-Sanchis R, Pérez-Soriano P. Seven-Weeks Gait-Retraining in Minimalist Footwear Has No Effect on Dynamic Stability Compared With Conventional Footwear. RESEARCH QUARTERLY FOR EXERCISE AND SPORT 2022; 93:640-649. [PMID: 34665996 DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2021.1892021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the effects of two different running footwear conditions (transition to minimalist footwear and conventional running footwear) on dynamic postural stability before and after 7 weeks of gait retraining program, and to evaluate the effect of fatigue on dynamic stability. Method: This randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out by 42 recreational male runners, who were randomly divided into two groups; Conventional Footwear Group (CFG) (n = 22) and Minimalist Footwear Group (MFG) (n = 20). Dynamic Postural Stability Index (DPSI), in a fatigued and non-fatigued state, were assessed before and after a gait retraining program. The gait retraining program consisted of three guided training sessions per week for 7 weeks. Training program was mainly focused on running technique and submaximal aerobic training with step-frequency exercises. Minimalist footwear was progressively introduced in the MFG. The CFG and MFG performed the same training exercises and a full body conditioning program. Fatigue was induced using a 30-minute running test at individual 85% of the maximal aerobic speed. Results: No differences in dynamic stability variables were found between MFG and CFG in any of the study condition. MFG and CFG showed better dynamic stability after the intervention program (CFG: 13.1% of change, DPSIpre = 0.3221 ± 0.04, DPSIpost = 0.2799 ± 0.04; p < .05; MFG: 6.7% of change, DPSIpre = 0.3117 ± 0.04, DPSIpost = 0.2907 ± 0.05). Finally, dynamic stability was significatively lower in both groups after fatigue protocol (p < .05). Conclusions: Following a 7-week gait retraining program, footwear did not affect the results, being the gait retraining program more relevant on improving dynamic stability.
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What are the Benefits and Risks Associated with Changing Foot Strike Pattern During Running? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Injury, Running Economy, and Biomechanics. Sports Med 2021; 50:885-917. [PMID: 31823338 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-019-01238-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Running participation continues to increase. The ideal strike pattern during running is a controversial topic. Many coaches and therapists promote non-rearfoot strike (NRFS) running with a belief that it can treat and prevent injury, and improve running economy. OBJECTIVE The aims of this review were to synthesise the evidence comparing NRFS with rearfoot strike (RFS) running patterns in relation to injury and running economy (primary aim), and biomechanics (secondary aim). DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. Consideration was given to within participant, between participant, retrospective, and prospective study designs. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus. RESULTS Fifty-three studies were included. Limited evidence indicated that NRFS running is retrospectively associated with lower reported rates of mild (standard mean difference (SMD), 95% CI 3.25, 2.37-4.12), moderate (3.65, 2.71-4.59) and severe (0.93, 0.32-1.55) repetitive stress injury. Studies prospectively comparing injury risk between strike patterns are lacking. Limited evidence indicated that running economy did not differ between habitual RFS and habitual NRFS runners at slow (10.8-11.0 km/h), moderate (12.6-13.5 km/h), and fast (14.0-15.0 km/h) speeds, and was reduced in the immediate term when an NRFS-running pattern was imposed on habitual RFS runners at slow (10.8 km/h; SMD = - 1.67, - 2.82 to - 0.52) and moderate (12.6 km/h; - 1.26, - 2.42 to - 0.10) speeds. Key biomechanical findings, consistently including both comparison between habitual strike patterns and following immediate transition from RFS to NRFS running, indicated that NRFS running was associated with lower average and peak vertical loading rate (limited-moderate evidence; SMDs = 0.72-2.15); lower knee flexion range of motion (moderate-strong evidence; SMDs = 0.76-0.88); reduced patellofemoral joint stress (limited evidence; SMDs = 0.63-0.68); and greater peak internal ankle plantar flexor moment (limited evidence; SMDs = 0.73-1.33). CONCLUSION The relationship between strike pattern and injury risk could not be determined, as current evidence is limited to retrospective findings. Considering the lack of evidence to support any improvements in running economy, combined with the associated shift in loading profile (i.e., greater ankle and plantarflexor loading) found in this review, changing strike pattern cannot be recommended for an uninjured RFS runner. PROSPERO REGISTRATION CRD42015024523.
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Moran MF, Wager JC. Influence of Gait Retraining on Running Economy: A Review and Potential Applications. Strength Cond J 2020. [DOI: 10.1519/ssc.0000000000000511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Ramsey C, Lamb P, Ribeiro DC. Clinicians perceptions of footwear when assessing and managing patients with running-related injuries. Phys Ther Sport 2019; 42:9-15. [PMID: 31865239 DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2019.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Codi Ramsey
- Otago Polytechnic - Institute of Sport, Exercise Science and Health, Dunedin, New Zealand; University of Otago - Centre for Health, Activity, and Rehabilitation Research, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| | - Peter Lamb
- University of Otago - School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Science, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Daniel Cury Ribeiro
- University of Otago - Centre for Health, Activity, and Rehabilitation Research, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Hollander K, Liebl D, Meining S, Mattes K, Willwacher S, Zech A. Adaptation of Running Biomechanics to Repeated Barefoot Running: A Randomized Controlled Study. Am J Sports Med 2019; 47:1975-1983. [PMID: 31166116 PMCID: PMC6604239 DOI: 10.1177/0363546519849920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that changing acutely from shod to barefoot running induces several changes to running biomechanics, such as altered ankle kinematics, reduced ground-reaction forces, and reduced loading rates. However, uncertainty exists whether these effects still exist after a short period of barefoot running habituation. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS The purpose was to investigate the effects of a habituation to barefoot versus shod running on running biomechanics. It was hypothesized that a habituation to barefoot running would induce different adaptations of running kinetics and kinematics as compared with a habituation to cushioned footwear running or no habituation. STUDY DESIGN Controlled laboratory study. METHODS Young, physically active adults without experience in barefoot running were randomly allocated to a barefoot habituation group, a cushioned footwear group, or a passive control group. The 8-week intervention in the barefoot and footwear groups consisted of 15 minutes of treadmill running at 70% of VO2 max (maximal oxygen consumption) velocity per weekly session in the allocated footwear. Before and after the intervention period, a 3-dimensional biomechanical analysis for barefoot and shod running was conducted on an instrumented treadmill. The passive control group did not receive any intervention but was also tested prior to and after 8 weeks. Pre- to posttest changes in kinematics, kinetics, and spatiotemporal parameters were then analyzed with a mixed effects model. RESULTS Of the 60 included participants (51.7% female; mean ± SD age, 25.4 ± 3.3 years; body mass index, 22.6 ± 2.1 kg·m-2), 53 completed the study (19 in the barefoot habituation group, 18 in the shod habituation group, and 16 in the passive control group). Acutely, running barefoot versus shod influenced foot strike index and ankle, foot, and knee angles at ground contact (P < .001), as well as vertical average loading rate (P = .003), peak force (P < .001), contact time (P < .001), flight time (P < .001), step length (P < .001), and cadence (P < .001). No differences were found for average force (P = .391). After the barefoot habituation period, participants exhibited more anterior foot placement (P = .006) when running barefoot, while no changes were observed in the footwear condition. Furthermore, barefoot habituation increased the vertical average loading rates in both conditions (barefoot, P = .01; shod, P = .003) and average vertical ground-reaction forces for shod running (P = .039). All other outcomes (ankle, foot, and knee angles at ground contact and flight time, contact time, cadence, and peak forces) did not change significantly after the 8-week habituation. CONCLUSION Changing acutely from shod to barefoot running in a habitually shod population increased the foot strike index and reduced ground-reaction force and loading rates. After the habituation to barefoot running, the foot strike index was further increased, while the force and average loading rates also increased as compared with the acute barefoot running situation. The increased average loading rate is contradictory to other studies on acute adaptations of barefoot running. CLINICAL RELEVANCE A habituation to barefoot running led to increased vertical average loading rates. This finding was unexpected and questions the generalizability of acute adaptations to long-term barefoot running. Sports medicine professionals should consider these adaptations in their recommendations regarding barefoot running as a possible measure for running injury prevention. REGISTRATION DRKS00011073 (German Clinical Trial Register).
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsten Hollander
- Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Institute of Human Movement Science, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany,Department of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, BG Trauma Hospital of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany,Karsten Hollander, MD, PhD, Department of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, BG Trauma Hospital of Hamburg, Germany Bergedorfer Str 10, 21033 Hamburg, Germany ()
| | - Dominik Liebl
- Department of Financial Economics and Statistics, Bonn University, Bonn, Germany
| | - Stephanie Meining
- Department of Human Movement and Exercise Science, Institute of Human Movement Science, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Mattes
- Department of Human Movement and Exercise Science, Institute of Human Movement Science, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Steffen Willwacher
- Institute of Biomechanics and Orthopaedics, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Astrid Zech
- Department of Movement Science and Exercise Physiology, Institute of Sport Science, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
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Warne J, Moran KA, Warrington GD. Small Step Frequency Changes Due to Footwear Condition Have No Effect on Running Economy. Sports Med Int Open 2018; 2:E41-E45. [PMID: 30539116 PMCID: PMC6225962 DOI: 10.1055/a-0620-8039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to examine if small increases to step frequency associated with minimal footwear can influence Running Economy (RE). Twelve club-level runners with eight weeks of minimal footwear experience were recruited (age, 41±9 years; stature, 177.2±10.4 cm; body mass, 72.6±10.2 kg; V˙O 2max , 52.1±7.5 mL·min -1 ·kg -1 ). Two 6-min RE tests, one in minimal footwear and one in conventional running shoes were performed at 11 km·h -1 . Two more 6-min tests were completed during which step frequency was controlled using a metronome at the cadence of the opposite footwear condition (RE revSF ). Comparisons were completed between the same footwear using repeated measures ANCOVA. The increase in step frequency for minimal footwear vs. conventional running shoes was 7.3±2.3 steps per minute (3.9% difference; 95% CI of difference [5.87 to 8.80 steps/min]; p≤0.001; Cohen's d=0.70). No significant differences were identified between RE and RE revSF for minimal footwear (40.72±4.08 vs. 41.09±4.19 mL·min -1 ·kg -1 ; 95% CI of difference [-1.71 to 0.97]; p=0.55; Cohen's d=0.09), or conventional running shoes (42.04±4.68 vs. 41.74±5.09 mL·min -1 ·kg -1 ; 95% CI of difference [-0.78 to 1.37]; p=0.55; Cohen's d=0.06). Small changes in step frequency (~4%) did not have any significant impact on RE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe Warne
- Institute of Technology Tallaght, Applied Science, Dublin, Ireland.,Setanta College, Tipperary, Ireland
| | - Kieran Andrew Moran
- Dublin City University, School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Giles D Warrington
- University of Limerick Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Education and Health Sciences, Limerick, Ireland
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Fuller JT, Thewlis D, Tsiros MD, Brown NA, Hamill J, Buckley JD. Longer-term effects of minimalist shoes on running performance, strength and bone density: A 20-week follow-up study. Eur J Sport Sci 2018; 19:402-412. [DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2018.1505958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Joel T. Fuller
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, Australia
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Dominic Thewlis
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- Centre for Orthopaedic and Trauma Research, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Margarita D. Tsiros
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Joseph Hamill
- Biomechanics Laboratory, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan D. Buckley
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
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Lindlein K, Zech A, Zoch A, Braumann KM, Hollander K. Improving Running Economy by Transitioning to Minimalist Footwear: A Randomised Controlled Trial. J Sci Med Sport 2018; 21:1298-1303. [PMID: 29807719 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2018.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Ongoing debates about benefits and risks of barefoot- and minimally-shod running have, to date, revealed no conclusive findings for long-term effects on physical performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an 8-week transition to minimalist footwear (MFW) on running economy (RE). DESIGN Randomised controlled trial. METHODS Thirty-two male, habitually-shod runners were assigned randomly to an 8-week training intervention either in minimalist (=intervention group) or conventional running shoes (=control group). The intervention consisted of a gradual increase in use of the new footwear by 5% of the individual weekly distance. Before and after the intervention, a VO2max test was followed by a submaximal RE test at 70% and 80% of vVO2max in both shoe conditions 7days later. RE was measured at the submaximal tests and expressed as caloric unit cost (kcalkg-1km-1) and oxygen consumption (mlkg-1km-1). RESULTS RE improved in the intervention group over time compared to the control group with small to moderate effect sizes (ES) in both shoe conditions: Effects on RE (kcalkg-1km-1) in conventional running shoes: ES vVO270%: 0.68 (95% CI: -0.14 to 1.51), ES vVO280%: 0.78 (95% CI: 0-1.56). In minimalist footwear: ES vVO270%: 0.3 (95% CI: -0.54 to 1.14), ES vVO280%: 0.42 (95% CI: -0.41 to 1.25). These effects were not statistically significant (p>0.05). The repeated-measures ANOVA also showed no group by time interactions for all submaximal RE testing conditions (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Although not reaching statistical significance, training in MFW compared to CRS resulted in small to moderate improvements in RE.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Lindlein
- Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Institute of Human Movement Science, University of Hamburg, Germany; Department of Cardiology, Internal Medicine I, Helios Albert-Schweitzer-Hospital, Germany
| | - A Zech
- Institute of Sports Science, Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Germany
| | - A Zoch
- Department of Economics, University of Mannheim, Germany
| | - K-M Braumann
- Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Institute of Human Movement Science, University of Hamburg, Germany
| | - K Hollander
- Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Institute of Human Movement Science, University of Hamburg, Germany; Department of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, BG Trauma Hospital of Hamburg, Germany.
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Warne JP, Gruber AH. Transitioning to Minimal Footwear: a Systematic Review of Methods and Future Clinical Recommendations. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2017; 3:33. [PMID: 28916956 PMCID: PMC5602809 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-017-0096-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent interest in barefoot running has led to the development of minimalist running shoes that are popular in distance runners. A careful transition to these shoes has been suggested and examined in the literature. However, no guidelines based on systematic evidence have been presented. The purpose of this review is to systematically examine the methods employed in the literature to transition to minimal footwear (MFW), as well as the outcomes to these studies in distance runners. In addition, MFW transition guidelines for future clinical practice will be presented based on observations from this review. METHODS A systematic database search was employed using PubMed online as the primary database. Twenty papers were included in the final review. RESULTS All studies implemented a prospective transition design to MFW with a detail of this transition provided, which increased MFW exposure up to an average of 60% (30-100%) at completion. Only 8/20 studies included injury prevention exercises, and 9/20 included gait retraining. The main outcomes of this transition included limited positive evidence of transitioning into MFW for running economy (n = 4 studies) and muscle development (n = 5). The injury incidence comparing running during the MFW transition (17.9 injuries per 100 participants) to matched participants in conventional running shoes (13.4 injuries per 100) appears equivocal (p = 0.219; effect size phi (φ) = 0.06 [very small]). Finally, several important recommendations for clinical practice and future research have been presented. CONCLUSIONS It is hoped that this paper will present important first steps in unifying the process of transitioning to MFW, both for academic and clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe P Warne
- Department of Applied Science, Institute of Technology Tallaght, Blessington Rd, Dublin 24, Ireland.
- Setanta College, Thurles Chamber of Enterprise Centre, Thurles, Tipperary, Ireland.
| | - Allison H Gruber
- Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
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Vercruyssen F, Tartaruga M, Horvais N, Brisswalter J. Effects of Footwear and Fatigue on Running Economy and Biomechanics in Trail Runners. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2017; 48:1976-84. [PMID: 27183120 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000000981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to examine the effects of footwear and neuromuscular fatigue induced by short distance trail running (TR) on running economy (RE) and biomechanics in well-trained and traditionally shod runners. METHODS RE, vertical and leg stiffness (Kvert and Kleg), as well as foot strike angle were measured from two 5-min treadmill running stages performed at a speed of 2.5 (with 10% grade, uphill running) and 2.77 m·s (level running) before and after an 18.4-km TR exercise (approximately 90% of maximal heart rate) in runners wearing minimalist shoes (MS), MS plus added mass (MSm), or traditional shoes (TS). Maximal voluntary contraction torque of knee extensors and perceived muscle pain were also evaluated before and after TR. RESULTS Maximal voluntary contraction values decreased after TR in all footwear conditions (P < 0.001), indicating the occurrence of neuromuscular fatigue. In the nonfatigued condition, runners exhibited a better RE only during level running in MS and MSm (i.e., combined effects of shoe mass and midsole geometry), in association with significant decreases in foot strike angle (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference in RE was observed between shod conditions after TR during either uphill or level running. Decreases in both Kvert/Kleg and foot strike angle were more pronounced during running in MS and MSm (P < 0.05) compared with TS, whatever the period. Calf pain increased after TR when wearing MS and MSm compared with TS (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS These findings indicated specific alterations in RE and biomechanics over time during the MS and MSm conditions compared with the TS condition. Future studies are warranted to evaluate the relationship between RE and footwear with fatigue in experienced minimally shod runners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrice Vercruyssen
- 1Laboratoire Motricité Humaine Expertise Sport Santé (LAMHESS), Université de Nice Sophia Antipolis/Université de Toulon, Toulon, FRANCE; 2LABIER, Midwest State University of Paraná, Guarapuava, BRAZIL; 3SALOMON SAS, Amer Sports Footwear Laboratory of Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology, Annecy, FRANCE; 4Laboratory of Exercise Physiology, University Savoie Mont Blanc, Le Bourget-du-Lac, FRANCE; and 5School of Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Perth, AUSTRALIA
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Fuller JT, Thewlis D, Tsiros MD, Brown NAT, Buckley JD. Six-week transition to minimalist shoes improves running economy and time-trial performance. J Sci Med Sport 2017; 20:1117-1122. [PMID: 28483557 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2017.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2016] [Revised: 04/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigated if gradually introducing runners to minimalist shoes during training improved running economy and time-trial performance compared to training in conventional shoes. Changes in stride rate, stride length, footfall pattern and ankle plantar-flexor strength were also investigated. DESIGN Randomised parallel intervention trial. METHODS 61 trained runners gradually increased the amount of running performed in either minimalist (n=31) or conventional (n=30) shoes during a six-week standardised training program. 5-km time-trial performance, running economy, ankle plantar-flexor strength, footfall pattern, stride rate and length were assessed in the allocated shoes at baseline and after training. Footfall pattern was determined from the time differential between rearfoot and forefoot (TDR-F) pressure sensors. RESULTS The minimalist shoe group improved time-trial performance (effect size (ES): 0.24; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.01, 0.48; p=0.046) and running economy (ES 0.48; 95%CI: 0.22, 0.74; p<0.001) more than the conventional shoe group. There were no minimalist shoe training effects on ankle plantar-flexor concentric (ES: 0.11; 95%CI: -0.18, 0.41; p=0.45), isometric (ES: 0.23; 95%CI: -0.17, 0.64; p=0.25), or eccentric strength (ES: 0.24; 95%CI: -0.17, 0.65; p=0.24). Minimalist shoes caused large reductions in TDR-F (ES: 1.03; 95%CI: 0.65, 1.40; p<0.001) but only two runners changed to a forefoot footfall. Minimalist shoes had no effect on stride rate (ES: 0.04; 95%CI: -0.08, 0.16; p=0.53) or length (ES: 0.06; 95%CI: -0.06, 0.18; p=0.35). CONCLUSIONS Gradually introducing minimalist shoes over a six-week training block is an effective method for improving running economy and performance in trained runners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel T Fuller
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia.
| | - Dominic Thewlis
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Australia
| | - Margarita D Tsiros
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Jonathan D Buckley
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Australia
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Azevedo APDS, Mezêncio B, Amadio AC, Serrão JC. 16 Weeks of Progressive Barefoot Running Training Changes Impact Force and Muscle Activation in Habitual Shod Runners. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167234. [PMID: 27907069 PMCID: PMC5132300 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Short-term effects of barefoot and simulated barefoot running have been widely discussed in recent years. Consequences of adopting barefoot running for a long period, including as a training approach, still remain unknown. The present study evaluated the influence of 16 weeks of progressive barefoot running training on impact force and muscle activation in habitual shod runners. Six habitual shod runners (3 men and 3 women, 29.5 ± 7.3 years) were tested barefoot (BF) and shod (SH), before and after 16 weeks of progressive barefoot running training. Tests consisted of running on instrumented treadmill at 9 km/h, for 10 minutes in each experimental condition. Nine data acquisitions (10 s) of vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) and electromyographic (EMG) signal were conducted in each experimental condition for each test. BF training was effective to alter VGRF and EMG parameters of running in habitual shod runners, regardless of footwear condition (SH or BF). The magnitude of first peak of VGRF (Fy1) and the impulse of the first 50 ms decreased after training for BF and SH (p<0.01). The activation reduced from PRE to POST training for four muscles in BF running (p<0.001), whereas only muscle gastrocnemius lateralis decreased significantly its activation (p<0.01) in SH running. A 16-week progressive barefoot running training seems to be an effective training strategy to reduce impact force, improve shock attenuation and to decrease muscle activation intensity, not only in BF running, but also in SH running, although BF condition seems to be more influenced by BF training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula da Silva Azevedo
- Laboratory of Biomechanics, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Bruno Mezêncio
- Laboratory of Biomechanics, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alberto Carlos Amadio
- Laboratory of Biomechanics, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Julio Cerca Serrão
- Laboratory of Biomechanics, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Hollander K, van der Zwaard BC, de Villiers JE, Braumann KM, Venter R, Zech A. The effects of being habitually barefoot on foot mechanics and motor performance in children and adolescents aged 6-18 years: study protocol for a multicenter cross-sectional study (Barefoot LIFE project). J Foot Ankle Res 2016; 9:36. [PMID: 27594919 PMCID: PMC5010736 DOI: 10.1186/s13047-016-0166-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Barefoot locomotion has evoked an increasing scientific interest with a controversial debate about benefits and limitations of barefoot and simulated barefoot walking and running. While most current knowledge comes from cross sectional laboratory studies, the evolutionary perspective suggests the importance of investigating the long-term effects. Observing habitually barefoot populations could fill the current gap of missing high quality longitudinal studies. Therefore, the study described in this design paper aims to investigate the effects of being habitually barefoot on foot mechanics and motor performance of children and adolescents. Methods This study has a cross-sectional, binational design and is part of the “Barefoot Locomotion for Individual Foot- and health Enhancement (Barefoot LIFE)” project. Two large cohorts (n(total) = 520) of healthy children and adolescents between 6 and 18 years of age will be included respectively in Germany and South Africa. A barefoot questionnaire will be used to determine habitually barefoot individuals. The testing will be school-based and include foot mechanical (static arch height index, dynamic arch index, foot pliability) and motor performance (coordination, speed, leg power) outcomes. Gender, BMI and level of physical activity will be considered for confounding. Discussion The strength of this study is the comparison of two large cohorts with different footwear habits to determine long-term effects of being habitually barefoot on foot mechanics and motor performance. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13047-016-0166-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsten Hollander
- Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Institute of Human Movement Science, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Johanna Elsabe de Villiers
- Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Institute of Human Movement Science, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Sport Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Klaus-Michael Braumann
- Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Institute of Human Movement Science, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ranel Venter
- Department of Sport Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Astrid Zech
- Department of Sport Science, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
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