Biomechanics of Shod and Barefoot Running: A Literature Review

Abstract

This study aims to analyze and summarize the biomechanical (kinematics, kinetics and neuromuscular) differences between shod and barefoot running, through a literature review. Searches were conducted for complete articles published between 2013 and November 2018 in the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and SPORTdiscus databases. The search terms used were Biomechanics, Kinetics, Kinematics, Electromyography, “Surface Electromyography”; and Unshod, Barefoot, Barefeet and Running. The search resulted in 687 articles; after excluding duplicates and selecting by title, abstract and full text, 40 articles were included in the review. The results show that there are important differences in the biomechanics of running when shod or barefoot. In general, studies indicate that in barefoot running: a) individuals present forefoot or midfoot foot strike patterns, while in shod running the typical pattern is the rearfoot strike; (b) greater cadence and shorter stride length are observed; and (c) there is greater knee flexion, lower peak vertical ground reaction force and greater activation of the medial gastrocnemius. In addition, barefoot runners contact the ground with greater plantar flexion, possibly as a strategy to reduce impact when stepping without footwear. These differences, as well as runners’ individual characteristics, should be considered in the prescription of the barefoot running, in order to minimize injuries resulting from the practice. Level of Evidence II; Review.

Analysis of Running Gait in Children with Cerebral Palsy: Barefoot vs. a New Ankle Foot Orthosis

“…For instance, children might be expected to have performed the tests at a speed they considered safe. In the literature, it is known that shoed running can be featured by a decrease in cadence along with an increase in step length, running speed [ 36 , 37 ] and higher vertical GRF peak values [ 38 , 39 ]. All these findings were also observed in this study.…”

“…The presence of four coupled force platforms allowed recording the kinetics of one limb per trial, being the stride length greater than the distance covered by the force platforms. In addition, if on one hand the use of shoe may replicate common life conditions, on the other hand it can also be a limitation for markers placement as well as for the definition of spatio-temporal parameters [ 36 ]. During the orthotic trials, the markers were applied to the shoe replicating as much as possible the position of the anatomical landmarks [ 40 ].…”

Uso do tênis no desempenho da corrida e lesões acometidas entre os corredores

“…Quanto ao padrão de ativação muscular, os músculos sóleo maior, gastrocnêmio lateral e medial são mais ativados na condição descalça. (JAHN et al, 2020) Na biomecânica da corrida com praticantes calçados ou descalços, o corredor que corre descalço tem uma tendência de pousar o meio do pé durante o primeiro contado do pé com o solo, provocando mais lesões por tensão na parte anterior dos pés. Em contra partida, o corredor em uso de calçado adequado ao pé do atleta tem um resposta mais rápida e eficaz na biomecânica, em decorrência da correção do padrão de movimento.…”

“…(PORTELA et al, 2019) Tendo em vista as diferenças na biomecânica da corrida com e sem calçados, a decisão de correr com ou sem tênis deve levar em consideração essas diferenças, uma vez que a corrida descalço pode apresentar menores forças de impacto, no entanto ainda apresenta alta taxa de carga e ativação do músculo tríceps sural. (JAHN et al, 2020)…”

Effects of Minimalist Footwear and Foot Strike Pattern on Plantar Pressure during a Prolonged Running

“…Barefoot running (BR) or minimalist running (MR) has been a recurring topic of study in the sports biomechanics field over the last decade [1][2][3]. Both modalities involve, in comparison with running with conventional shoes (CS), modifications in certain biomechanical and physiological parameters.…”