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Just got done with my debate with Irene Davis, PhD on barefoot vs shod running at the California Physical Therapy Association Annual Conference in Long Beach, California. We had standing room only for the lecture and there was a lot of interest in this subject from the many physical therapists that attended the session. We each got our "jabs" at each other, but we both enjoyed the chance to debate this interesting subject. We may be planning on doing this again next summer.

In the hotel bar, post-debate, Irene and I squared off again for this photo before the pub crawl. ;)

 

Most of those I spoke with after the debate thought that both sides presented good arguments for their cases. I guess it was considered a draw...no knockouts today.;)

 

Will there be a video ?

Pity there wasn´t a 3rd person with the argument good for some bad for others bet they would have won ;)

 

Despite what’s been stated in the past on this issue, there's apparently a debate after all :confused: ... well I suppose the current climate calls for it :eek:.

Sometimes it is the fitter & stronger one... sometimes it is the one whose explanation fits the most data with the fewest assumptions... sometimes (unfortunately) it just comes down to biasness: - predisposed biasness based around the listener‘s world view/philosophy (confirmation bias)... sometimes it could be unconscious biasness... & then there is biasness towards a particular individual presenting the data/view point ;).

Not that I heard the "debate"... but frankly, both sides of this issue have very worthy aspects for all to consider & evaluate for their personal circumstances. What messes things up & gets each side's back up is the combination of glorifying a cause through misrepresenting the data via blanket (all for one) statements &/or not being open to a method/view outside one's paradigm of understanding/consideration, which can then trigger feelings of uncertainty which usually tend to make most people uncomfortable... agitated, annoyed etc... hence debates surface... & some may become wiser for the experience :rolleyes:.

 

There was no video made.

Irene and I agreed on many points but disagreed mostly on the value of orthotics for runners and her contention that heel striking causes injuries. Since Irene and I have lectured together on numerous occasions, both in the US and internationally, over the past 15 years I have known her, and have developed a close friendship because of this, I simply couldn't be too nasty to her. She has an excellent presentation on these topics which certainly has the potential to make you rethink your preconceived notions of how running injuries may be best treated. However, I don't think that I will be doing anything specifically different in my practice for my runners because of our lecture together.

One thing I did find out from our lecture is that the interest in barefoot running is still quite high for the physical therapists that attended the meeting.

 

Hi Kevin hope you enjoyed the beer after.

her contention that heel striking causes injuries.- So might forefoot strking, again back to the point of good for some bad for others.

I truly believe the most important question is who is barefoot, shod, forefoot,midfoot and rearfoot striking good for ? - if we can answer this question on an individual basis be a huge step forward, rather than 1 v´s the other as best .

 

I believe the answer to this lies within the zone of optimal leg stiffness (ZOOLS) model. Those functioning within their ZOOLS we remain free from injury, those trying to perform outside of their ZOOLS for a sustained period will succumb to injury. As you know, running stye is one of the factors which influences leg stiffness.

 

Agreed :drinks