Shod vs. barefoot running Flashcards
Striking pattern shod vs. barefoot
Barefoot: mid and forefoot strike
Shod: rear-foot strike
Collision forces shod vs. barefoot
Collision forces were less in barefoot runners compared to shod runners
Ankle ROM shod vs. barefoot
Greater PF initially due to mid and forefoot strike along with more ankle compliance during impact with barefoot
Average impact force
- 5 x BW for barefoot
1. 5 to 2 x BW in shoes
Running shoe design and heel strike
-more cushion under the heel may allow for more comfort during heel strike which facilitates rear-foot strike patterns
Pros of running shoes
- protect the feet
- provide traction
- comfortable secondary to added cushion
- motion control features
Cons of running shoes
- limit proprioception
- may lead to weaker foot muscles, reducing arch strength
Benefits of fore-strike running
- results from foot being in a more plantarflexed position
- this position results in more vertical position of the lower leg = greater knee flexion (helpful for softening impact forces)
How to start barefoot running?
- length of transition
- exercises for core and hip
- plantar sensitivity adaptation
- footstrike pattern
- cadence
- proprioception ability
- ankle joint flexibility
- intrinsic foot strengthening
- eccentric strengthening of LE
Length of transitioning
8-12 weeks to allow for changes in flexibility of post calf soft tissue
- allows for changes in strength and plantar sensitivity adaptation
- walk around barefoot or in minimalist shoes
Plantar sensitivity
- 1st component of any barefoot program
- walking around barefoot or in minimalist shoes
- run/walk progression after a couple of weeks of walking barefoot
Technique training: foot strike pattern
- change to minimalist shoes (naturally changes strike pattern)
- running form drills with minimalist shoes (butt kicks, high knees, skipping, bounding)
- foot placement drills leaning against a wall while working on mid-foot and forefoot strikes
Cadence
- running on treadmill with metronome
- increase cadence 10% to around 180 steps/min
- running in minimalist shoes may naturally create changes in cadence and step length
Proprioception
- single leg balance with eyes open/closed
- single leg cone touches emphasizing ER and IR of hip
- exercises on airex pads
- “steam boats” -static kicks using resistive band
Ankle flexibility
- gastroc
- soleus
- plantar fascia
- 1st MTP