Modern footwear has changed in its role over the years from providing protection to controlling foot motion and stabilisation. However, Running Related Injuries (RRIs) continue to increase despite technological innovations in fabrication and design. As we evolve in our understanding of barefoot running, examining this pattern of running is worth giving attention to. Barefoot running changes the foot strike pattern to forefoot strike with reduction in stride length and impact loading. Also, barefoot form of running provides a greater proprioceptive challenge to plantar surface of the foot and increased energy conservation at the arches. The advent of new footwear trend in form of minimalist shoe is slowly gaining attention but it is presumptive to appreciate its benefits over barefoot running. The purpose of this review was to study the evidence regarding differences between shod and barefoot mechanics and how different footwear affords mechanical changes between them. Future directions on barefoot running mechanics and its progression are also suggested.
Running is the most popular means of physical activity among people all over the world. Shoe wear design has evolved over a period of time, however, running-related injuries continue to surge. Barefoot form of running has been advocated as a possible training approach to reap the benefits of running in the era of modern shoes. Limited evidence of reduction in torques and forces on the lower extremities is available for barefoot running, however, how far this corresponds to injuries is yet to be studied. The aim of this survey was to examine factors related to performance and injury in runners who have tried barefoot training with an emphasis on including a habituation phase to accustom to barefoot running. A 10-question survey regarding the experiences of runners (sprinters and marathoners) athletes who participated in barefoot training program was prepared and communicated electronically through email. All participants were state and national level athletes and habitually trained in shoe before participating in the barefoot training. A total of six participants who took part in the training were given the survey questionnaire. About 60% of respondents believed barefoot training will help to heal from repetitive injuries widely supported by media in form of blogs, books, and scientific papers in this area. About 17% of these respondents sought suggestions from their coaches, physical therapists, and trainer to pursue barefoot training. Initially, participants were apprehensive of participating into barefoot training (67%). Participants preferred running on grass and treadmill to prevent from injury. All participants agreed on implications of barefoot training to achieve sports-specific performance improvement in running performance. No injuries were reported after the completion of barefoot training with no new injuries being reported. The previous studies have reported biomechanical changes caused by barefoot training with a hypothetical prediction of reducing injury risk. The survey showed that barefoot training was perceived to be positive experience for all the runners with no injuries being reported at the end of the training.
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