Barefoot Training Survey: Novel Experiences of Barefoot Training on Habitually Shod Runners

Abstract

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.