Argument for barefoot running

Question 1

Argument for barefoot running?

Answer 1

Millions of years of evolution has led to humans running with forefoot landing rather than heel strike - the way foots have evolved.

Forefoot striking lowers the initial impact forces.

Heel cushioning may have led to runners striking floor heel first leading to impact related injuries.

Question 2

What did Lieberman et al. (2010; 2012) find?

Answer 2

Running barefoot and forefoot striking reduces loading rate and peak impact forces, reducing the risk of injury and providing increased foot strength.

However remains to be proven if that leads to lower injury rates.

Also believee millions of years of evolution and natural selection has resulted in humans adapting to less chance of injury whilst running barefoot.

Question 3

Tam et al. (2013)?

Answer 3

Lack of conclusive evidence proving or refuting proposed advantages of barefoot running.

Such evidence will require long term studies and further understanding of biomechanics and implications of barefoot running.

Question 4

Will barefoot running prevent injury?

Answer 4

May prevent some types of injuries but can also increase other types.

Other mechanisms can cause injuries - magnitude and direction of force which can cause other structures to be involved.

Transition to barefoot running will likely increase loading of calf muscles and Achilles tendon.