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Sulowska-Daszyk I, Zając B, Mika A. The influence of foot muscles exercises and minimalist shoes on lactate threshold velocity in long-distance amateur runners: a randomized controlled trial. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16496. [PMID: 39019999 PMCID: PMC11254916 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67525-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The exercises of plantar foot muscles may have beneficial effects on the performance of the lower extremity muscles. The aim of this study was to compare two methods of foot muscle strengthening: direct short foot muscle exercises and indirect activation through training in minimalist footwear in regard to influence on lactate threshold velocity in long-distance runners. 55 recreational runners aged 21-45 years took part in that study. They were randomly divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (n = 25) with short foot muscle exercises, and Group 2 (n = 30) with training in minimalist shoes. The progressive running test was performed to determine heart rate (HR) and running velocity corresponding to lactate threshold (VLT). Two-way ANOVA was used to determine the significance of the differences regarding the evaluated variables. After the 8-week training program, higher values of VLT were observed in both groups. This change was significant only in Group 1 (p < 0.05). In Group 2, the higher value was noted but the changes were non-significant. Strengthening of the short foot muscles may improve lactate threshold velocity which is connected with running performance. Considering the obtained results, it is worth contemplating the implementation of these methods in the training of long-distance runners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Sulowska-Daszyk
- Institute of Clinical Rehabilitation, University of Physical Education, Al. Jana Pawla II 78, 31-571, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Bartosz Zając
- Laboratory of Functional Diagnostics, Central Scientific and Research Laboratory, University of Physical Education, 31-571, Kraków, Poland
| | - Anna Mika
- Institute of Clinical Rehabilitation, University of Physical Education, Al. Jana Pawla II 78, 31-571, Krakow, Poland
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Deng L, Dai B, Zhang X, Xiao S, Fu W. Effects of gait retraining using minimalist shoes on the medial gastrocnemius muscle-tendon unit behavior and dynamics during running. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2024; 34:e14630. [PMID: 38644663 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The effects of a 12-week gait retraining program on the adaptation of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) and muscle-tendon unit (MTU) were investigated. 26 runners with a rearfoot strike pattern (RFS) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: gait retraining (GR) or control group (CON). MG ultrasound images, marker positions, and ground reaction forces (GRF) were collected twice during 9 km/h of treadmill running before and after the intervention. Ankle kinetics and the MG and MTU behavior and dynamics were quantified. Runners in the GR performed gradual 12-week gait retraining transitioning to a forefoot strike pattern. After 12-week, (1) ten participants in each group completed the training; eight participants in GR transitioned to non-RFS with reduced foot strike angles; (2) MG fascicle contraction length and velocity significantly decreased after the intervention for both groups, whereas MG forces increased after intervention for both groups; (3) significant increases in MTU stretching length for GR and peak MTU recoiling velocity for both groups were observed after the intervention, respectively; (4) no significant difference was found for all parameters of the series elastic element. Gait retraining might potentially influence the MG to operate at lower fascicle contraction lengths and velocities and produce greater peak forces. The gait retraining had no effect on SEE behavior and dynamics but did impact MTU, suggesting that the training was insufficient to induce mechanical loading changes on SEE behavior and dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqin Deng
- Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Boyi Dai
- Division of Kinesiology and Health, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA
| | - Xini Zhang
- Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Songlin Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Weijie Fu
- Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
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Hébert-Losier K, Boswell-Smith C, Hanzlíková I. Effect of Footwear Versus Barefoot on Double-Leg Jump-Landing and Jump Height Measures: A Randomized Cross-Over Study. Int J Sports Phys Ther 2023; 18:845-855. [PMID: 37547838 PMCID: PMC10399122 DOI: 10.26603/001c.81107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Assessing individuals in their own athletic footwear in clinics is common, but can affect movement, performance, and clinical measures. Purpose The aim was to compare overall Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) scores, injury risk categorization, specific LESS errors, and jump heights between habitual athletic footwear and barefoot conditions. Study design Randomized cross-over laboratory study. Methods Eighty healthy individuals (55% male) completed the LESS following standard procedures (i.e., land from a 30-cm box to a distance of 50% of body height and then jump upwards maximally). Participants performed the LESS three times in two randomized conditions: footwear and barefoot. LESS data were extracted from 2D videos to compare group-level mean LESS scores, group-level and individual-level injury risk categorization (5-error threshold), specific landing errors, and jump heights between conditions. Results LESS scores were significantly greater (0.3 errors, p=0.022) and jump heights were significantly lower (0.6 cm, p=0.029) in footwear than barefoot, but differences were trivial (d = 0.18 and -0.07, respectively) and not clinically meaningful. Although the number of high injury-risk participants was not statistically different at a group level (p=1.000); 27 individuals (33.8%) exhibited a clinically meaningful difference between conditions of one error or more in LESS score, categorization was inconsistent for 16.3% of individuals, and four of the 17 landing errors significantly differed between conditions. Conclusion At a group level, habitual athletic footwear does not meaningfully influence LESS scores, risk categorization, or jump height. At an individual level, footwear can meaningfully affect LESS scores, risk categorization, and alter landing strategies. Use of consistent protocol and footwear is advised for assessing movement patterns and injury risk from the LESS given the unknown predictive value of this test barefoot. Level of Evidence Level 3.©The Author(s).
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Zech A. [The influence of footwear on the human gait]. ORTHOPADIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023:10.1007/s00132-023-04407-0. [PMID: 37369874 DOI: 10.1007/s00132-023-04407-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
The development of individual gait and running patterns is influenced by internal (anatomical, anthropometric) and external (activity-related, environmental) factors. The predominantly used rearfoot running style is mainly attributed to the use of cushioned shoes, although from an anthropological perspective running barefoot, and thus running forefoot, is considered to be more natural. Numerous studies have shown a long-term influence of habitual footwear use on foot morphology, running biomechanics and basic motor skills. It has further been shown that an acute change in footwear, e.g. by running barefoot, immediately changes kinematics and vertical load parameters. However, to date, there is no strong evidence for an influence of habitual footwear use or footstrike patterns on the prevalence of injuries or physical complaints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Zech
- Institut für Sportwissenschaft, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Seidelstr. 20, 07749, Jena, Deutschland.
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Mills K, Collins NJ, Vicenzino B. Transitioning to Barefoot Running Using a Minimalist Shoe Intermediary: A Prospective Cohort Study. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2023; 55:787-793. [PMID: 36728822 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000003111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are, first, to investigate the probability of runners successfully transitioning from running in a traditional shoe to barefoot. Second, to identify prognostic indicators of failure of transition to barefoot running. METHODS Over 20 wk, 76 healthy runners (female, 40; age, 35.04 yr [SD, 8.9 yr]; body weight, 69.9 kg [SD 13.4 kg]) attempted to transition from running in traditional shoes to running barefoot. A minimalist shoe was used as an intermediary. Participants ran for 4 wk exclusively in provided traditional shoes followed by 4 wk of transitioning to minimalist shoes. This process was repeated to transition to barefoot running. Participants were followed up until they withdrew from the study or successfully transitioned to running barefoot. A survival analysis examined the weeks of successful transition. Along with sex and age, baseline measures of traditional shoe overall comfort, footstrike pattern, midfoot width mobility and plantar foot pressure pain threshold were examined as prognostic variables for failure to transition using Cox regression. RESULTS The cumulative probability of successful transition to running barefoot was 70.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 61%-83%). The primary footwear-related reason for withdrawal was pain, primarily in the foot ( n = 7), two runners had confirmed injuries. Runners exhibiting a rearfoot strike pattern and higher midfoot width mobility were more likely to fail to transition (hazard ratios [HR], 4.02; 95% CI, 1.33-12.16 and HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.05-1.42). CONCLUSIONS Most runners who wish to run barefoot will be able to transition. Our study indicates that there may be biomechanical and anatomical characteristics that are prognostic of failing to transition when using a 20-wk transition period and an intermediary minimalist shoe. Whether a different transition process increases the probability of a success remains to be seen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Mills
- Department of Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, AUSTRALIA
| | | | - Bill Vicenzino
- University of Queensland School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences: Physiotherapy, University of Queensland, Brisbane, AUSTRALIA
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Ramsey C, Peterson B, Hébert-Losier K. Measurement and reporting of footwear characteristics in running biomechanics: A systematic search and narrative synthesis of contemporary research methods. Sports Biomech 2023; 22:351-387. [PMID: 36214324 DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2022.2125431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
This review aimed to synthesise the methods for assessing and reporting footwear characteristics among studies evaluating the effect of footwear on running biomechanics. Electronic searches of Scopus®, EBSCO, PubMed®, ScienceDirect®, and Web of Science® were performed to identify original research articles of the effect of running footwear on running biomechanics published from 1st January 2015 to 7th October 2020. Risk of bias among included studies was not assessed. Results were presented via narrative synthesis. Eligible studies compared the effect of two or more footwear conditions in adult runners on a biomechanical parameter. Eighty-seven articles were included and data from 242 individual footwear were extracted. Predominantly, studies reported footwear taxonomy (i.e., classification) and manufacturer information, however omitted detail regarding the technical specifications of running footwear and did not use validated footwear reporting tools. There is inconsistency among contemporary studies in the methods by which footwear characteristics are assessed and reported. These findings point towards a need for consensus regarding the reporting of these characteristics within biomechanical studies to facilitate the conduct of systematic reviews and meta-analyses pertaining to the effect of running footwear on running biomechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Codi Ramsey
- Institute of Sport , Exercise and Health, Otago Polytechnic, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Benjamin Peterson
- Department of Podiatry, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Rockhampton, QLD, Australia
| | - Kim Hébert-Losier
- Division of Health, Engineering, Computing and Science, Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, University of Waikato, Tauranga, New Zealand
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Hébert-Losier K, Finlayson SJ, Lamb PF, Driller MW, Hanzlíková I, Dubois B, Esculier JF, Beaven CM. Kinematics of recreational male runners in "super", minimalist and habitual shoes. J Sports Sci 2022; 40:1426-1435. [PMID: 35699253 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2022.2081767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
We conducted an exploratory analysis to compare running kinematics of 16 male recreational runners wearing Nike Vaporfly 4% (VP4), Saucony Endorphin racing flat (FLAT), and their habitual (OWN) footwear. We also explored potential relationships between kinematic and physiological changes. Runners (age: 33 ± 12 y, V˙ O2peak: 55.2 ± 4.3 ml · kg-1·min-1) attended 3 sessions after completing an V˙ O2peak test in which sagittal plane 3D kinematics at submaximal running speeds (60%, 70% and 80% ʋ V˙ O2peak) were collected alongside economy measures. Kinematics were compared using notched boxplots, and between-shoe kinematic differences were plotted against between-shoe economy differences. Across intensities, VP4 involved longer flight times (6.7 to 10.0 ms) and lower stance hip range of motion (~3°), and greater vertical pelvis displacement than FLAT (~0.4 cm). Peak dorsiflexion angles (~2°), ankle range of motion (1.0° to 3.9°), and plantarflexion velocities (11.3 to 89.0 deg · sec-1) were greatest in FLAT and lowest in VP4. Foot-ground angles were smaller in FLAT (2.5° to 3.6°). Select kinematic variables were moderately related to economy, with higher step frequencies and shorter step lengths in VP4 and FLAT associated with improved economy versus OWN. Footwear changes from OWN altered running kinematics. The most pronounced differences were observed in ankle, spatiotemporal, and foot-ground angle variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Hébert-Losier
- Division of Health, Engineering, Computing and Science, Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, University of Waikato, Tauranga, New Zealand.,Research & Development, The Running Clinic, Lac Beauport, Québec, Canada
| | - Steven J Finlayson
- Division of Health, Engineering, Computing and Science, Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, University of Waikato, Tauranga, New Zealand
| | - Peter F Lamb
- School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Matthew W Driller
- Sport and Exercise Science, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ivana Hanzlíková
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Blaise Dubois
- Research & Development, The Running Clinic, Lac Beauport, Québec, Canada
| | - Jean-Francois Esculier
- Research & Development, The Running Clinic, Lac Beauport, Québec, Canada.,Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Christopher Martyn Beaven
- Division of Health, Engineering, Computing and Science, Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, University of Waikato, Tauranga, New Zealand
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Andreyo E, Unverzagt C, Schoenfeld BJ. Influence of Minimalist Footwear on Running Performance and Injury. Strength Cond J 2022. [DOI: 10.1519/ssc.0000000000000661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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9
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Nielsen A, Franch J, Heyde C, de Zee M, Kersting U, Larsen RG. Carbon Plate Shoes Improve Metabolic Power and Performance in Recreational Runners. Int J Sports Med 2022; 43:804-810. [PMID: 35523201 DOI: 10.1055/a-1776-7986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
This study compared metabolic power (MP) and time trial (TT) running performance between Adidas Adizero Adios (AAA) and Nike VaporFly 4% (NVP). Thirty-seven runners completed three laboratory sessions and two field sessions (n=30). After familiarization (visit 1), participants completed eight 6-min treadmill running bouts (four with each shoe, counterbalanced) at their preferred pace, and MP was assessed using indirect calorimetry (visits 2 and 3). During visits 4 and 5, participants completed two outdoor TTs (~3.5 km) in NVP and AAA (counterbalanced). Compared with AAA, NVP exhibited superior MP (NVP: median=13.88 (Q1-Q3=12.90-15.08 W/kg; AAA: median=14.08 (Q1-Q3=13.12-15.44 W/kg; z=-4.81, p<.001, effect size=.56) and TT (NVP=793±98 s; AAA=802±100 s, p=.001; effect size=.09). However, there was no relationship between changes in MP and changes in TT between shoes (r=.151 p=.425, 95% confidence interval=[-.22; .48]). Our results demonstrate that NVP, compared with AAA, improves MP and TT in recreational runners. The lack of correlation between changes in MP and TT indicates that factors other than improved MP contribute to faster short-distance TT with NVP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Nielsen
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg Universitet, Aalborg East, Denmark
| | - Jesper Franch
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg Universitet, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Christian Heyde
- Future Sport Science Team, Adidas AG, Herzogenaurach, Germany
| | - Mark de Zee
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg Universitet, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Uwe Kersting
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg Universitet, Aalborg, Denmark.,Institute of Biomechanics and Orthopaedics, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ryan Godsk Larsen
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg Universitet, Aalborg, Denmark
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10
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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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11
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Napier C, Willy RW. Logical fallacies in the running shoe debate: let the evidence guide prescription. Br J Sports Med 2018; 52:1552-1553. [PMID: 30352861 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2018-100117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Napier
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,The UBC Run Clinic, Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Richard W Willy
- Division of Physical Therapy and Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
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12
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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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13
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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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Effects of Low Versus Moderate Glycemic Index Diets on Aerobic Capacity in Endurance Runners: Three-Week Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10030370. [PMID: 29562613 PMCID: PMC5872788 DOI: 10.3390/nu10030370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The glycemic index (GI) of ingested carbohydrates may influence substrate oxidation during exercise and athletic performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of low- and moderate-GI three-week diets on aerobic capacity and endurance performance in runners. We conducted a randomized crossover feeding study of matched diets differing only in GI (low vs. moderate) in 21 endurance-trained runners. Each participant consumed both, low- (LGI) and moderate-GI (MGI) high-carbohydrate (~60%) and nutrient-balanced diets for three weeks each. At the beginning and end of each diet, participants had their aerobic capacity and body composition measured and performed a 12-min running test. After LGI, time to exhaustion during incremental cycling test (ICT) and distance covered in the 12-min run were significantly increased. The MGI diet led to an increase in maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max), but no performance benefits were found after the MGI diet. The LGI and MGI diets improved time and workload at gas exchange threshold (GET) during ICT. The results indicate that a three-week high-carbohydrate LGI diet resulted in a small but significant improvement in athletic performance in endurance runners. Observed increase in V˙O2max on MGI diet did not affect performance.
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