Why forefoot striking in minimal shoes might positively change the course of running injuries

NewsBot · Apr 4, 2017

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Why forefoot striking in minimal shoes might positively change the course of running injuries
Irene S. Davis, Hannah M. Rice, Scott C. Wearing
Journal of Sport and Health Science; 31 March 2017 (Full text free)

It is believed that human ancestors evolved the ability to run bipedally approximately 2 million years ago. This form of locomotion may have been important to our survival and likely has influenced the evolution of our body form. As our bodies have adapted to run, it seems unusual that up to 79% of modern day runners are injured annually. The etiology of these injuries is clearly multifactorial. However, one aspect of running that has significantly changed over the past 50 years is the footwear we use. Modern running shoes have become increasingly cushioned and supportive, and have changed the way we run. In particular, they have altered our footstrike pattern from a predominant forefoot strike (FFS) landing to a predominant rearfoot strike (RFS) landing. This alters the way in which the body is loaded and may be contributing to the high rate of injuries runners experience, engaging in an activity they were adapted for. In this paper, we will examine the benefits of barefoot running (typically an FFS pattern), and compare the lower extremity mechanics between FFS and RFS. The implications of these mechanical differences, in terms of injury will be discussed. We will then provide evidence to support that forefoot striking provides an optimal mechanical environment for specific foot and ankle structures, such as the heel pad, the plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon. The importance of footwear will then be addressed, highlighting its interaction with strike pattern on mechanics. This will underscore why footwear matters when assessing mechanics. Finally, proper preparation and safe transition to an FFs pattern in minimal shoes will be emphasized. Through the discussion of the current literature, we will develop a justification for returning to running in the way we were adapted for in order to reduce running-related injuries.
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Craig Payne · Apr 4, 2017

Well, that is a cherry picked blast from the past!
Runners have lost interest in doing that.
The sales figures speak for themselves.

Admin2 · Apr 4, 2017

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mike weber · Apr 4, 2017

wow
N=1 and all that

I am looking forward to when this debate finally takes the next step to try and work out where leg stiffness (kleg) indicates when a certain type of running gait and/or shoe while mostly likely lead to a reduced change of over use injuries instead of this type of rubbish

we are very different people and body types to our ancestors and many years have passed maybe it is time we took the next step in the debate

Why forefoot striking in minimal shoes might positively change the course of running injuries

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Craig Payne Moderator

Admin2 Administrator Staff Member

mike weber MVP

Not all forefoot striking is equal

Plantar fascia loads during forefoot and rearfoot striking

Spring loaded footwear to induce forefoot striking

Knee and ankle loads in forefoot vs rearfoot striking

New studies on injury rates between forefoot and rearfoot striking

Changes in lower extremity movement and power absorption during forefoot striking and barefoot runni

Effect of forefoot striking on the low back

Share This Page

Why forefoot striking in minimal shoes might positively change the course of running injuries

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

Craig Payne Moderator

Admin2 Administrator Staff Member

mike weber MVP

Not all forefoot striking is equal

Plantar fascia loads during forefoot and rearfoot striking

Spring loaded footwear to induce forefoot striking

Knee and ankle loads in forefoot vs rearfoot striking

New studies on injury rates between forefoot and rearfoot striking

Changes in lower extremity movement and power absorption during forefoot striking and barefoot runni

Effect of forefoot striking on the low back

Share This Page

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