Achilles Tendon Properties of Minimalist and Traditionally Shod Runners

Histen, Katherine; Arntsen, Julia; L'Hereux, Lauren; Heeren, James K.; Wicki, Benjamin; Saint, Sterling; Aerni, Giselle; Denegar, Craig R.; Joseph, Michael

doi:10.1123/jsr.2016-0006

Cited by 29 publications

(27 citation statements)

References 0 publications

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“…As such our findings would be consistent with Rice, et al who found that runners habituated to a FFS pattern in minimal shoes exhibit significantly lower loadrates than those habituated to a FFS pattern in traditional running shoes [20]. Additionally, Hashish, et al reported that forefoot strike runners have lower impact load rates when barefoot compared to when wearing running shoes [12]. In the context of injury, both retrospective and prospective running studies indicate that increased loading during impact can lead to several different overuse running injuries [4,17,19].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

“…In part, the increase in popularity is likely due to the benefits of minimal and barefoot running reported by several researchers. Some of the reported benefits of wearing minimal or no footwear include increased vertical jump height [14], increased running economy [1,8], improved static balance [33], improved Achilles tendon stiffness and size [12] and greater dynamic stability [31]. In addition to benefits to performance, advocates of wearing minimal or no footwear during exercise claim that injuries may be reduced when running or jumping in little or no footwear.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Effect of Footwear on Dynamic Stability during Single-leg Jump Landings

et al. 2017

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Barefoot and minimal footwear running has led to greater interest in the biomechanical effects of different types of footwear. The effect of running footwear on dynamic stability is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to compare dynamic stability and impact loading across 3 footwear conditions; barefoot, minimal footwear and standard running shoes. 25 injury free runners (21 male, 4 female) completed 5 single-leg jump landings in each footwear condition. Dynamic stability was assessed using the dynamic postural stability index and its directional components (mediolateral, anteroposterior, vertical). Peak vertical ground reaction force and vertical loadrates were also compared across footwear conditions. Dynamic stability was dependent on footwear type for all stability indices (ANOVA, p<0.05). Post-hoc tests showed dynamic stability was greater when barefoot than in running shoes for each stability index (p<0.02) and greater than minimal footwear for the anteroposterior stability index (p<0.01). Peak vertical force and average loadrates were both dependent on footwear (p≤0.05). Dynamic stability, peak vertical force, and average loadrates during single-leg jump landings appear to be affected by footwear type. The results suggest greater dynamic stability and lower impact loading when landing barefoot or in minimal footwear.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of Footwear on Dynamic Stability during Single-leg Jump Landings

et al. 2017

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“… 75 Additionally, it has been recently reported that minimalist footwear runners exhibit greater stiffness and cross-sectional area of the Achilles tendon compared with their traditionally shod counterparts. 74 These studies collectively suggest that a habituated FFS pattern may invoke the necessary stimulus required for tendon adaptation and homeostasis, which leads to stronger calf muscles and Achilles tendons. There is a 52% lifetime incidence of Achilles tendinopathy in runners 76 with over 90% of runners being RFS.…”

Section: Strike Pattern and Tissue Mechanicsmentioning

confidence: 89%

“…Both sprinting and minimalist footwear are known to promote an FFS pattern. 15 , 74 Sprinters have been reported to have stiffer Achilles tendons than distance runners. 75 Additionally, it has been recently reported that minimalist footwear runners exhibit greater stiffness and cross-sectional area of the Achilles tendon compared with their traditionally shod counterparts.…”

Section: Strike Pattern and Tissue Mechanicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Davis

Rice

Wearing

2017

Journal of Sport and Health Science

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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, 1 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 predominantly forefoot strike (FFS) landing to a predominantly rearfoot strike (RFS) landing. This change alters the way in which the body is loaded and may be contributing to the high rate of injuries runners experience while engaged in an activity for which they were adapted. 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 our contention that FFS 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 analysis 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 for which we were adapted to reduce running-related injuries.

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“…In addition, a study by Daoud et al [4] reported that collegiate runners with a RFS pattern experienced twice the overuse injuries than their FFS counterparts. Finally, runners habituated to minimal shoes have been shown to have stronger, stiffer Achilles tendons, also reducing their risk for Achilles tendinopathy [5]. Therefore, a simple transition to a FFS pattern with minimal shoes can add protection against other future running injuries in this patient.…”

Section: Case Scenariomentioning

confidence: 99%