12 weeks of simulated barefoot running changes foot-strike patterns in female runners
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2014Access:
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McCarthy C, Fleming N, Donne B and Blanksby B., 12 weeks of simulated barefoot running changes foot-strike patterns in female runners., International Journal of Sports Medicine, 34, 2014, 443 - 450Download Item:
McCarthyIJSM.pdf (PDF) 347.6Kb
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.
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http://people.tcd.ie/nfleminhttp://people.tcd.ie/bdonne
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Author: Donne, Bernard; Fleming, Neil
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International Journal of Sports Medicine;34;
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Full text availableKeywords:
Biomechanics, Minimalist shoes, Kinematics, Training, TransitionSubject (TCD):
Biomechanics of human movementDOI:
10.1055/s-0033-1353215Licences: