RESULTS:
A more anterior initial foot contact present in barefoot or other alternative running styles may decrease or eliminate the initial vertical ground reaction peak or "impact transient," possibly reducing knee joint loads and injuries. A more anterior foot strike, however, may increase mechanical work at the ankle and tensile stress within the plantarflexors. Wearing minimal footwear may also increase contact pressure imposed on the metatarsals.
CONCLUSION: More research is needed to determine which individuals with certain morphological or mechanical gait characteristics may benefit from alternative running styles that incorporate a more anterior initial foot contact with or without shoes