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Int J Sports Med 2014; 35(05): 443-450
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1353215
Orthopedics & Biomechanics
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

12 Weeks of Simulated Barefoot Running Changes Foot-Strike Patterns in Female Runners

C. McCarthy
1   Departments of Anatomy and Physiology, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
,
N. Fleming
2   Department of Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, United States
,
B. Donne
1   Departments of Anatomy and Physiology, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
,
B. Blanksby
3   School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History



accepted after revision 23 July 2013

Publication Date:
18 September 2013 (online)

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Abstract

To investigate the effect of a transition program of simulated barefoot running (SBR) on running kinematics and foot-strike patterns, female recreational athletes (n=9, age 29±3 yrs) without SBR experience gradually increased running distance in Vibram FiveFingers SBR footwear over 12 weeks. Matched controls (n=10, age 30±4 yrs) continued running in standard footwear. A 3-D motion analysis of treadmill running at 12 km/h−1 was performed by both groups, barefoot and shod, pre- and post-intervention. Post-intervention data indicated a more-forefoot strike pattern in the SBR group compared to controls; both running barefoot (P>0.05), and shod (P<0.001). When assessed barefoot, there were significant kinematic differences across time in the SBR group for ankle flexion angle at toe-off (P<0.01). When assessed shod, significant kinematic changes occurred across time, for ankle flexion angles at foot-strike (P<0.001) and toe-off (P<0.01), and for range of motion (ROM) in the absorptive phase of stance (P<0.01). A knee effect was recorded in the SBR group for flexion ROM in the absorptive phase of stance (P<0.05). No significant changes occurred in controls. Therefore, a 12-week transition program in SBR could assist athletes seeking a more-forefoot strike pattern and “barefoot” kinematics, regardless of preferred footwear.

Key words

biomechanics - minimalist shoes - kinematics - training - transition
 

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