Barefoot/minimalism running biomechanics

NewsBot · Jan 1, 2021

Foot Loading Associated with Barefoot, Shod, and Minimalist Running in Male Rearfoot Strikers
Gauthier Debugne, Maarten Eerdekens, Helen Peters, Filip Staes, William Bertucii, Kevin Deschamps
J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2020 Nov 1;110(6)

Background: We aimed to determine the center of pressure (COP) trajectories and regional pressure differences in natural rearfoot strikers while running barefoot, running with a minimalist shoe, and running with a traditional shoe.

Methods: Twenty-two male natural rearfoot strikers ran at an imposed speed along an instrumented runway in three conditions: barefoot, with a traditional shoe, and with a minimalist shoe. Metrics associated to the COP and regional plantar force distribution, captured with a pressure platform, were compared using one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance.

Results: The forefoot contact phase was found to be significantly shorter in the barefoot running trials compared with the shod conditions (P = .003). The initial contact of the COP was located more anteriorly in the barefoot running trials. The mediolateral position of the COP at initial contact was found to be significantly different in the three conditions, whereas the final mediolateral position of the COP during the forefoot contact phase was found to be more lateral in the barefoot condition compared with both shod conditions (P = .0001). The metrics associated with the regional plantar force distribution supported the clinical reasoning with respect to the COP findings.

Conclusions: The minimalist shoe seems to provide a compromise between barefoot running and running with a traditional shoe.
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NewsBot · Feb 13, 2021

Reduced joint reaction and muscle forces with barefoot running
Hyun Kyung Kim ,Qichang Mei,Yaodong Gu,Ali Mirjalili &Justin Fernandez
Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering: 01 Feb 2021

Barefoot running has been associated with lowered joint loading, but it remains unclear whether the biomechanical benefits are evident after mid-distance running. A musculoskeletal model was adopted for estimating lower limb joint loading for barefoot (n = 10) versus shod (n = 10) 5 km running. The barefoot group reduced peak joint reaction force at the hip and knee, and presented muscle force reductions compared to shod controls with significant group effects and interaction effects (p < .05). These changes were primarily group effects as time point effects were not significant. These findings should be considered when designing barefoot running shoes, running programmes, and injury prevention programmes.
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NewsBot · Apr 21, 2021

Effects of barefoot vs. shod walking during indoor and outdoor conditions in younger and older adults
KarstenHollanderaEviPetersenbAstridZechcDanielHamacherc
Gait & Posture; 15 April 2021

Highlights
•Minimal toe clearance variability was higher in shod conditions compared to barefoot.
•Local dynamic stability (0-50% of gait cycle) did not differ between footwear.
•Barefoot walking decreased stride length, stride time, gait velocity and minimal toe clearance.
•Indoor vs. outdoor affected MTC variability, stride length, stride time, MTC, gait velocity.
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Background
While gait stability and variability measures in barefoot and shod locomotion have relatively frequently been investigated in younger adults, little is known for older cohorts. Moreover, most studies have investigated gait measures in laboratory settings instead of real-life settings.

Research questions
How are gait stability and variability parameters in younger and older adults affected by footwear vs. barefoot and indoor vs. outdoor walking conditions?

Methods
Healthy younger (<35 years) and older adults (>65 years) were included in the randomised within-subject study design. Participants conducted consecutive 25 m walking trials barefoot and with standardised footwear inside and outside. Inertial measurement units were mounted on the participants’ right foot and used to calculate local dynamic stability (LDS), velocity and minimal toe clearance (MTC), stride length and stride time as well as their variability. Linear mixed models were calculated.

Results
Thirty-two young participants (17 female, 15 male, age: 30 ± 4 years) and 42 older participants (24 female, 18 male, age: 71 ± 4 years) were included in the study. MTC variability was higher in shod conditions compared to barefoot (p = 0.048) and in outdoor conditions (p < 0.001). LDS was only different between age groups (p < 0.001). Gait velocity and MTC were higher in shod and outdoor conditions (both p < 0.001). Stride length and time were higher in shod conditions (both p < 0.001) and different between outdoor vs. indoor (longer stride length and shorter strides times indoors, both p < 0.001) as well as age groups (shorter stride length (p = 0.021) and longer stride time in older adults (p < 0.001)).

Significance
The results suggest that gait stability and variability in older and younger adults are acutely affected by footwear vs. barefoot and indoor vs. outdoor walking conditions, indicating a high adaptiveness of these parameters to different experimental conditions. Consequently, future studies should be careful with generalising results obtained under certain conditions.
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NewsBot · Oct 23, 2021

Daily activity in minimal footwear increases foot strength
Rory Curtis et al
Sci Rep. 2021 Sep 20;11(1):18648

The human foot is uniquely adapted to bipedal locomotion and has a deformable arch of variable stiffness. Intrinsic foot muscles regulate arch deformation, making them important for foot function. In this study we explore the hypothesis that normal daily activity in minimal footwear, which provides little or no support, increases foot muscle strength. Western adults wore minimal footwear for a six-month period (the "intervention" group). Foot strength, i.e., maximum isometric plantarflexion strength at the metatarsophalangeal joints, and foot biometrics were measured before and after the intervention. An additional group was investigated to add further insight on the long-term effects of footwear, consisting of Western adults with an average 2.5 years of experience in minimal footwear (the "experienced" group). This study shows that foot strength increases by, on average, 57.4% (p < 0.001) after six months of daily activity in minimal footwear. The experienced group had similar foot strength as the post intervention group, suggesting that six months of regular minimal footwear use is sufficient to gain full strength, which may aid healthy balance and gait.
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NewsBot · Oct 26, 2021

Seven-Weeks Gait-Retraining in Minimalist Footwear Has No Effect on Dynamic Stability Compared With Conventional Footwear
Alberto Encarnación-Martínez et al
Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport: 19 Oct 2021

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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NewsBot · Apr 11, 2022

Automatic Classification of Barefoot and Shod Populations Based on the Foot Metrics and Plantar Pressure Patterns
Liangliang Xiang et al
Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2022 Mar 23

The human being's locomotion under the barefoot condition enables normal foot function and lower limb biomechanical performance from a biological evolution perspective. No study has demonstrated the specific differences between habitually barefoot and shod cohorts based on foot morphology and dynamic plantar pressure during walking and running. The present study aimed to assess and classify foot metrics and dynamic plantar pressure patterns of barefoot and shod people via machine learning algorithms. One hundred and forty-six age-matched barefoot (n = 78) and shod (n = 68) participants were recruited for this study. Gaussian Naïve Bayes were selected to identify foot morphology differences between unshod and shod cohorts. The support vector machine (SVM) classifiers based on the principal component analysis (PCA) feature extraction and recursive feature elimination (RFE) feature selection methods were utilized to separate and classify the barefoot and shod populations via walking and running plantar pressure parameters. Peak pressure in the M1-M5 regions during running was significantly higher for the shod participants, increasing 34.8, 37.3, 29.2, 31.7, and 40.1%, respectively. The test accuracy of the Gaussian Naïve Bayes model achieved an accuracy of 93%. The mean 10-fold cross-validation scores were 0.98 and 0.96 for the RFE- and PCA-based SVM models, and both feature extract-based and feature select-based SVM models achieved an accuracy of 95%. The foot shape, especially the forefoot region, was shown to be a valuable classifier of shod and unshod groups. Dynamic pressure patterns during running contribute most to the identification of the two cohorts, especially the forefoot region.
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NewsBot · May 10, 2022

Acute effects of minimalist shoes on biomechanical gait parameters in comparison to walking barefoot and in cushioned shoes: a randomised crossover study
Gina Huber,Thomas Jaitner &Marcus Schmidt
Footwear Science: 09 May 2022

Minimalist shoes are proposed to promote walking gait patterns more similar to natural barefoot gait. While there is already considerable research evaluating the effects of minimalist shoes on running biomechanics, little has been reported about the effects of minimalist shoes on kinematic and kinetic parameters during normal gait. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare biomechanical gait parameters between walking in non-cushioned minimalist shoes, in conventional cushioned shoes and barefoot. Kinematic (cadence, step length, foot progression angle, length of CoP) and kinetic (vGRF) parameters of 32 healthy adults were collected at preferred walking speed on an instrumented treadmill. ANOVA or Friedman- Tests were applied for between condition comparisons. In case of significant (p < 0.05) main effects, post-hoc analyses were implemented for pairwise comparisons. Significant main effects of footwear conditions were found for all parameters (p ≤ .001). Post-hoc analyses revealed that increased cushioning properties of the applied footwear are associated with increased step lengths, lengths of CoP trajectory and foot progression angle as well as a reduced cadence. Additionally, decreased cushioning resulted in increased vGRF, especially of the forefoot and rearfoot. Results indicate that footwear significantly affects biomechanical gait parameters in a group of healthy adults. The findings have implications on the use of footwear during walking gait, with special emphasis on the cushioning properties of the different conditions.
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NewsBot · May 12, 2022

The Effects of Minimalist Shoes on the General Endurance in Long-Distance Recreational Runners
Chiara Modestini, Stephen Mizzi and Cynthia Formosa
April 19, 2022

Background: The difference in general endurance between running with a minimalist shoe versus structured footwear is a topic
of debate amongst both runners and researchers. Studies investigating the effect of structured and minimalist footwear on general
endurance are still lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the difference between running in minimal versus
structured footwear on endurance amongst long distance recreational runners.
Methods: Thirty healthy long distance recreational runners were recruited for this study. Treadmill running in two different shod
conditions: ‘Trial 1’ with structured footwear and ‘Trial 2’ with minimalist footwear was conducted. The Bruce Treadmill Protocol
was used to estimate the VO2
max of each athlete were the time taken to reach volitional exhaustion was recorded and interpreted via
two equations depending on whether the participant was male or female. The results of the equations estimating the participants'
VO2
max were compared between the two types of footwear.
Results: The results of this study found a significant difference in general endurance when wearing minimalist footwear versus
structured footwear (p = 0.038), indicating a higher efficiency when running with minimalist footwear. No significant difference was
found in the mean Borg 6-20 RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion rating scores) between structured and minimalist footwear (p = 0.32).
However, although no significant difference was found, it is important to note that whilst all the participants wearing both structured
and minimalist footwear reached stage 7 on the BTP protocol, in stages 8 and 9 the number of participants in minimalist footwear
exceeded those in structured footwear implying better endurance when using minimalist footwear.
Conclusion: This finding provides important information to the running community, clinicians and researchers alike with regards to
the efficacy when using minimalist shoes in long distance running. Since physical exercise and sports are today being advocated as
important elements to improve general health status and weight loss, with recreational running being picked up by many individuals,
it is of utmost importance to provide recreational runners and their coaches with evidence-based information regarding potential
implications when choosing the appropriate footwear for distance running.
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NewsBot · Jun 3, 2022

Influence of Shod and Barefoot Running on the In Vivo Kinematics of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint
Faning Zhang et al
Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2022 May 16

The biomechanics of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) is affected by different shoe conditions. In the biomechanical research field, traditional skin marker motion capture cannot easily acquire the in vivo joint kinematics of the first MTPJ in shoes. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the differences of the first MTPJ's six-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) kinematics between shod and barefoot running by using a high-speed dual fluoroscopic imaging system (DFIS). In total, 15 healthy male runners were recruited. Computed tomography scans were taken from each participant's right foot for the construction of 3D models and local coordinate systems. Radiographic images were acquired at 100 Hz while the participants ran at a speed of 3 m/s ± 5% in shod and barefoot conditions along an elevated runway, and 6DOF kinematics of the first MTPJ were calculated by 3D-2D registration. Paired sample t-tests were used to compare the kinematic characteristics of the first MTPJ 6DOF kinematics during the stance phase between shod and barefoot conditions. Compared with barefoot, wearing shoes showed significant changes (p < 0.05): 1) the first MTPJ moved less inferior at 50% but moved less superior at 90 and 100% of the stance phase; 2) the peak medial, posterior, and superior translation of the first MTPJ significantly decreased in the shod condition; 3) the extension angle of the first MTPJ was larger at 30-60% but smaller at 90 and 100% of the stance phase; 4) the maximum extension angle and flexion/extension range of motion of the first MTPJ were reduced; and 5) the minimum extension and adduction angle of the first MTPJ was increased in the shod condition. On the basis of the high-speed DFIS, the aforementioned results indicated that wearing shoes limited the first MTPJ flexion and extension movement and increased the adduction angle, suggesting that shoes may affect the propulsion of the first MTPJ and increase the risk of hallux valgus.
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NewsBot · Jun 28, 2022

Comparison of static stance balance between habitual
barefoot shoe wearers and conventional shoe wearers:
A pilot study
Anna-Karin Byström et al
Thesis

Barefoot living people have better balance and stronger, healthier feet compared to
conventional shoe wearing people. Among minimalist shoes, the barefoot shoe allows
the foot, in many regards, to behave in a similar way as in a barefoot state, and shows
positive effects on foot form and muscle activity. However, when it comes to balance,
which is important for the prevention of injury and falls, it is unclear whether barefoot
shoe wearers have better balance. The aim of this study was to investigate whether
static stance balance differs between habitual barefoot shoe wearers and wearers of
conventional shoes. Healthy habitual barefoot shoe wearers (n=14) and conventional
shoe wearers (n=27) were recruited in the southwest of Sweden to perform the
Unipedal Stance Test (UPST) with shoes and barefoot, of which one test blindfolded
and one with eyes open. The groups were matched for age and physical activity level.
The barefoot shoe group showed significantly better balance in the eyes open test with
shoes (p<0.01) as well as the eyes open test while barefoot (p<0.05). However, no
significant differences were found for the blindfold tests. This preliminary data indicates
a better stance balance among barefoot shoe wearers, and that the barefoot shoe may
be the better shoe for static stance balance.
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NewsBot · Jul 14, 2022

Running Gait Changes Immediately and After Four Weeks of Running in Minimalist
Shoes in a Natural Environment
Ryan Green et al
source

Purpose: The study examined the impact of minimalist running shoes on running gait in realworld conditions. Methods: Fourteen recreational runners, who previously ran in traditional
running shoes (MEHRS), trained exclusively in minimalist (MFW) shoes following a prescribed program. Once a week, they ran a specified route while wearing a GPS system that captured data on step frequency, step length, vertical oscillation, and ground contact time. Type of foot strike
(rear, mid, or forefoot) was assessed through video analysis. Data were collected while wearing traditional running shoes at the beginning and end of the study, and over four weeks of training
in minimalist footwear. Step length, vertical oscillation, and foot strike changed significantly
when wearing MEHRS vs. MFW shoes. Foot strike pattern changed from primarily rear-foot
strike to mid/forefoot strike over four-weeks, but tended to revert to back to the pre-intervention rear-foot pattern when participants returned to wearing their MEHRS. Conclusion: Acute and
gradual changes in running gait were observed when participants moved from MEHRS to MFW. Runners were able to transition to the MFW training protocol with limited discomfort. However, a longer period of transition to MFW may be needed in the future to sustain these changes.
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NewsBot · Jul 16, 2022

Effects of Barefoot and Shod on the In Vivo Kinematics of Medial Longitudinal Arch During Running Based on a High-Speed Dual Fluoroscopic Imaging System
Wanyan Su et al
Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2022 Jun 28;10:917675

Shoes affect the biomechanical properties of the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) and further influence the foot's overall function. Most previous studies on the MLA were based on traditional skin-marker motion capture, and the observation of real foot motion inside the shoes is difficult. Thus, the effect of shoe parameters on the natural MLA movement during running remains in question. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the differences in the MLA's kinematics between shod and barefoot running by using a high-speed dual fluoroscopic imaging system (DFIS). Fifteen healthy habitual rearfoot runners were recruited. All participants ran at a speed of 3 m/s ± 5% along with an elevated runway in barefoot and shod conditions. High-speed DFIS was used to acquire the radiographic images of MLA movements in the whole stance phase, and the kinematics of the MLA were calculated. Paired sample t-tests were used to compare the kinematic characteristics of the MLA during the stance phase between shod and barefoot conditions. Compared with barefoot, shoe-wearing showed significant changes (p < 0.05) as follows: 1) the first metatarsal moved with less lateral direction at 80%, less anterior translation at 20%, and less superiority at 10-70% of the stance phase; 2) the first metatarsal moved with less inversion amounting to 20-60%, less dorsiflexion at 0-10% of the stance phase; 3) the inversion/eversion range of motion (ROM) of the first metatarsal relative to calcaneus was reduced; 4) the MLA angles at 0-70% of the stance phase were reduced; 5) the maximum MLA angle and MLA angle ROM were reduced in the shod condition. Based on high-speed DFIS, the above results indicated that shoe-wearing limited the movement of MLA, especially reducing the MLA angles, suggesting that shoes restricted the compression and recoil of the MLA, which further affected the spring-like function of the MLA.
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NewsBot · Jul 17, 2022

Effects of running in minimal, maximal and traditional running shoes: a musculoskeletal simulation exploration using statistical parametric mapping and Bayesian analyses
Jonathan Sinclair,Darrell Brooks,Paul John Taylor &Naomi Bernadette Liles
Footwear Science Volume 13, 2021

The current study aimed to use a musculoskeletal simulation approach to examine running biomechanics in minimal, maximal and traditional running shoes using a concurrent SPM and Bayesian approach. Thirteen male participants ran over a force platform at 4.0 m/s in minimal maximal and traditional running shoes. Lower extremity joint loading and muscle forces were explored using a musculoskeletal simulation approach. Differences between conditions were examined using statistical parametric mapping (SPM) and Bayesian one-way repeated measures ANOVA. Bayesian analyses showed that traditional running shoes increased vastus intermedius (208.8BW·ms), vastus lateralis (320.2BW·ms) vastus medialis (188.7BW·ms), lateral tibiofemoral (495.9BW·ms) and patellofemoral joint stress (1683.4KPa/BW·s) integrals compared to minimal running shoes (185.0BW·ms, 281.9BW·ms, 167.2BW·ms, 456.5BW·ms & 1524.9KPa/BW·s). Furthermore, SPM showed that minimal footwear increased glutaeal, medial tibiofemoral and hip forces during the first 10% of the stance phase and Achilles tendon forces from 20 to 40% stance compared to traditional running shoes, whereas Bayesian analysis showed that minimal footwear increased loading rates (366.9BW/s) compared to maximal and traditional running shoes. (186.5BW/s) and traditional running shoes (161.5BW/s). Finally, SPM also showed that maximal footwear enhanced ankle eversion from 10 to 30% of stance compared to both minimal and traditional running shoes. This study therefore shows that minimal footwear may place runners at increased risk from impact related chronic injuries yet attenuate risk from patellofemoral and lateral tibiofemoral pathologies compared to traditional running shoes. In addition, owing to increases in ankle eversion, maximal running shoes may enhance risk to the aetiology of medial tibial stress syndrome compared to minimal and traditional running shoes.
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NewsBot · Jul 17, 2022

Differences in stride length and lower limb moments of recreational runners during over-ground running while barefoot, in minimalist and in maximalist running shoes
Richard Stoneham,Gillian Barry,Lee Saxby,Lauryn Waters &Mick Wilkinson
Footwear Science; Volume 13, 2021 - Issue 2

The aim of this study was to compare stride length, and peak knee and ankle moments during over-ground running performed barefoot, in minimalist and in maximalist shoes. Fifteen (10 male, 5 female) recreational endurance runners who habitually wore conventional-cushioned shoes participated. Stride length, as well as knee and ankle moments, were recorded during running on an indoor runway at a self-selected comfortable speed while barefoot, in minimalist and in maximalist shoes. Each condition was performed on a different day and the order of conditions was randomised and counterbalanced. Differences in stride length, and peak knee and ankle moments between conditions were examined with ANCOVA with speed as the covariate. After adjusting for speed, there was a significant increase in stride length from barefoot (1.85 ± 0.01 m) to minimalist (1.91 ± 0.01 m) to maximalist shoes (1.95 ± 0.01 m). Peak knee flexion moment also increased significantly from barefoot (2.51 ± 0.06 Nm⋅kg−1) to minimalist (2.67 ± 0.06 Nm⋅kg−1) to maximalist shoes (2.81 ± 0.06 Nm⋅kg−1). Results then showed peak dorsiflexion moment was lower in the maximalist condition (2.34 ± 0.04 Nm⋅kg−1) than both the barefoot (2.57 ± 0.04 Nm⋅kg−1) and minimalist condition (2.66 ± 0.03 Nm⋅kg−1). Results suggest that stride length and peak knee flexion moment increase from barefoot to minimalist to maximalist shoes, and ankle moment significantly changes as a function of footwear. This indicates that footwear can influence self-selected stride length and peak lower limb loads that are a risk factor for running-related knee injury.
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NewsBot · Aug 3, 2022

EFFECTS OF SHOD AND BAREFOOT CONDITIONS ON MEDIAL LONGITUDINAL
ARCH ANGLE DURING RUNNING
Wanyan Su et al
40th International Society of Biomechanics in Sports Conference, Liverpool, UK: July 19-23, 2022

The structure of the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) affects the spring-like function of the
foot and is crucial to running performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the
differences in the MLA angle between barefoot and shod conditions by using a high-speed
dual fluoroscopic imaging system (DFIS). Computed tomography was taken of each
participant’s right foot for the construction of 3D models and local coordinate systems.
Fifteen participants ran with or without running shoes at 3 m/s±5% speed. We recorded
foot kinematics using DFIS. After the process of 3D-2D registration, MLA angles were
calculated. Compared to barefoot, wearing shoes 1) decreased the initial landing MLA
angle, maximum MLA angle and range of motion of the MLA angle (p < 0.05); 2) decreased
the MLA angles during 0%-70% of the stance phase (p < 0.05). It suggests that shoes limit
the MLA compression and recoil and its spring-like function.
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NewsBot · Apr 3, 2023

Time course of muscle activation, energetics and mechanics of running in minimalist and traditional cushioned shoes during level running
Gilles Udin, Aitor Fernandez Menendez, Jonas Hoyois, Mathias Chevalier & Davide Malatesta
Scientific Reports volume 13, Article number: 5007 (2023)

The study aimed to compare the ankle muscles activation, biomechanics and energetics of running in male runners during submaximal level run using minimalist (MinRS) and traditional cushioned (TrdRS) running shoes. During 45-min running in MinRS and TrdRS, the ankle muscles pre- and co-activation, biomechanics, and energetics of running of 16 male endurance runners (25.5 ± 3.5 yr) were assessed using surface electromyography (tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius lateralis), instrumented treadmill and indirect calorimetry, respectively. The net energy cost of running (Cr) was similar for both conditions (P = 0.25) with a significant increase over time (P < 0.0001). Step frequency (P < 0.001), and total mechanical work (P = 0.001) were significantly higher in MinRS than in TrdRS with no evolution over time (P = 0.28 and P = 0.85, respectively). The ankle muscles pre- and co-activation during the contact phase did not differ between the two shoe conditions (P ≥ 0.33) or over time (P ≥ 0.15). In conclusion, during 45-min running, Cr and muscle pre- and co-activation were not significantly different between MinRS and TrdRS with significantly higher step frequency and total mechanical work noted in the former than in the latter. Moreover, Cr significantly increased during the 45-min trial in both shoe conditions along with no significant change over time in muscle activation and biomechanical variables.
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NewsBot · Sep 29, 2023

The use of preferred footwear versus barefoot conditions in gait analysis: A methodological investigation
Jeffrey D. Eggleston et al
Journal of Biomechanics 28 September 2023, 111817

Laboratory-based gait analyses traditionally analyze baseline characteristics in individuals while they are barefoot. However, there is limited evidence on whether individuals’ preferred walking shoes alter lower extremity kinematics during over-ground walking. We present novel evidence regarding the effects of shoes on lower extremity kinematics in healthy, young adults. Fifteen volunteers participated in this study which obtained lower extremity kinematic data on two over-ground walking conditions (barefoot and preferred shoes). Gait velocity, stance width, and stride length, along with sagittal plane hip, knee, and ankle angular positions were computed; hip, knee, and ankle positions were normalized to 100% of the stride. Dependent t-tests were used to compare baseline and shoe conditions for gait velocity and stance width; a two-way analysis of variance was used for stride length. A point-by-point Model Statistic analysis was used to identify significant differences in angular joint positions between conditions. Our results indicate that shoes affected the ankle angular joint position for more than half of the gait cycle, and affected the knee angular joint position, but only for approximately 20% of the cycle. The hip was unaffected by shoes. Gait velocity and stance width were statistically significant, with gait velocity being greater for shoes, and stance width being greater while barefoot. Stride length was not statistically significant between conditions. These outcomes suggest that researchers should use caution if they are considering a barefoot condition as a ‘baseline’ for healthy, young adults, as there are marked changes in the ankle, and in traditional gait metrics.
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NewsBot · Sep 29, 2023

Larger Achilles and Plantar fascia induce lower duty factor during barefoot running
Alberto Rubio-Peirotén et al
Source

Objectives
Tendons play a crucial role allowing the storage and release of mechanical energy during the running cycle. Running kinematics, including duty factor, constitute a basic element of the runner's biomechanics, and can determine their performance. This study aimed to analyze the link between Achilles tendon and plantar fascia morphology and running parameters, considering the influence of wearing shoes versus running barefoot.
Design
Cross-sectional study.
Methods
44 participants (30 men and 14 women) engaged in two running sessions, one with shoes and one without, both lasting 3 min at a consistent speed of 12 km/h. We captured running kinematic data using a photoelectric cell system throughout the sessions. Before the trials, we measured the thickness and cross-sectional area of both the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia using ultrasound.
Results
Pearson test revealed a significant correlation (p < 0,05) between Achilles tendon and plantar fascia morphology regarding contact time (r > −0.325), flight time (r > −0.325) and duty factor (ratio of ground contact to stride time) (r > −0.328) during barefoot running. During shod condition, no significant correlation was found between connective tissue morphology and kinematic variables.
Conclusions
In barefoot running, greater size of the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia results in a reduced duty factor, attributed to longer flight times and shorter contact times.
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NewsBot · Oct 4, 2023

Well-trained Endurance Runners' Foot Contact Patterns: Barefoot vs. Shod Condition
Manuel Mosqueira-Ouréns et al
Int J Sports Med. 2023 Sep 22

We aimed to investigate the initial foot contact and contact time in experienced endurance runners at individualized speeds, in running shoes and barefoot. Forty-eight participants (33.71±7.49 y, 70.94±8.65 kg, 175.07±7.03 cm, maximum aerobic speed 18.41±1.54 km.h-1) were distributed into three groups according to athletic performance: highly-trained runners, middle-trained runners, and control group. An incremental running test until exhaustion was performed for assessing maximum aerobic speed. After≥24 h of recovery participants randomly walked and ran, barefoot and in running shoes, over a pressure plate at ~4.7 km.h-1 and 85% of the maximum aerobic speed, respectively. They wore the same model of running shoes with homogeneous lacing pattern. A rearfoot strike was performed by 68.8% and 77.1% of participants when running barefoot and in running shoes, respectively. Considering the tendency to develop a rearfoot strike was lower in the barefoot condition, runners with higher performance may benefit from training in minimalist running shoes because their foot contact pattern could tend towards a non-rearfoot strike. Our results suggest that initial foot contact and contact time are related to running performance and may also be influenced by running shoes.
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NewsBot · Jan 11, 2024

Effects of Minimalist vs. Traditional Running Shoes on Abdominal Lumbopelvic Muscle Activity in Women Running at Different Speeds: A Randomized Cross-Over Clinical Trial
María García-Arrabé et al
Sensors 2024, 24(2), 310; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24020310

This study aimed to investigate if the characteristics of different running shoes could influence intra-abdominal pressure during running. A single-centre, randomized, prospective cross-over clinical trial was performed measuring activity patterns of internal oblique (IO), lumbar erector (LE), and gluteus maximus (GM) muscles in healthy women when running with minimalist shoes (MS). Participants were randomly allocated into two-sequence (MS/TS or TS/MS) treadmill running at six, nine, and eleven km/h. The surface electromyographic activity of IO, LE, and GM muscles were recorded while running. A repeated measures ANOVA explored the interaction effects of three-muscle x three speeds x two shoes. Significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Fifty-one healthy nulliparous women (mean age: 26.55 ± 5.11 years; body mass index: 21.29 ± 2.07 Kg/m2) were included. Our findings revealed lower activations of the LE compared to the internal oblique IO and GM, irrespective of running speed and footwear used. Electromyographic activation significantly increased with higher running speeds (p < 0.001) for all muscles, regardless of the type of footwear. Although electromyographic records with MS consistently showed higher values than those with TS, the differences were not statistically significant for all muscles at all speeds. Our results indicate that electromyographic activation patterns vary according to the muscle group, exhibiting higher values with increased running speed. No significant differences were observed between MS and TS.
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NewsBot · Jan 17, 2024

Biomechanics and Injury Prevention for Barefoot/Minimalist Running
Greg Connors et al
JBJS Rev. 2023 Nov 7;11(11)

Biomechanical studies indicate that barefoot/minimalist running coincides with a transition to an anterior foot strike, lower vertical loading rates, higher cadences, less energy absorption at the knee joint, and higher energy absorption at the ankle joint.» The clinical outcome studies indicate improvement of previous injuries and equivocal injury rates in the barefoot/minimal-style running groups.» Foot strike pattern is more important than footwear regarding injury prevention and vertical loading rate.» Minimalist footwear places higher degrees of stress on the ankle joints and an increased injury rate when abruptly transitioning to barefoot running. Runners must weigh the risks and benefits and take caution to properly strengthen their feet and safely transition to minimalist running.
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Barefoot/minimalism running biomechanics

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Barefoot/minimalism running biomechanics

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Barefoot walking is more stable in the gait of balance recovery in older adults

Are habitually barefoot children compelled to wear ill-fitting school shoes?

Major factors influencing rearfoot external eversion moment during barefoot walking

Misleading/False Advertising from the Barefoot Movement?

Barefoot with diabetic neuropathy - Illustrated.

Barefoot running and plantar fasciitis

Barefoot v's shod and traction

Share This Page

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