Performance enhancement, BF being a skill and injuries

Question 1

Can BF give a performance enhancement?

Answer 1

Findings still unclear.

BF running associated with improved running economy and reduction in mass.

Mechanical alterations of lower limbs - greater elastic energy storage and release.

Question 2

Common injuries?

Answer 2

Ankle/calf muscle injuries.

Achilles tendon injuries.

Question 3

Less common injuries?

Answer 3

Stress fractures.

Lower back pains.

Question 4

Barefoot running being a skill

Answer 4

People don’t have equal ability to acquire BF running skill - ‘responders and non responders’.

It requires significant change - must allow time to fully adapt to different loading stresses.

Question 5

4 biomechanical recommendations.

Answer 5

1) If heel striking runner (30 years+) has no chronic injuries, better to stick with what they’re doing.
2) If they do, can retrain to midfoot landing with cushioned shoes.
3) Changing to minimal shoes, an individuals structure and foot placement dictates whether feet are capable acting as a shock absorber.
4) When choosing to go barefoot to resolve heel striking injuries, this can cause forefoot landing related injuries.