Journal
CLINICAL BIOMECHANICS
Volume 29, Issue 4, Pages 395-399Publisher
ELSEVIER SCI LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2014.02.004
Keywords
Barefoot; Minimalist footwear; Achilles tendon load; Patellofemoral contact
Categories
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Background: Recreational runners frequently suffer from chronic pathologies. The knee and ankle have been highlighted as common injury sites. Barefoot and barefoot inspired footwear have been cited as treatment modalities for running injuries as opposed to more conventional running shoes. This investigation examined knee and ankle loading in barefoot and barefoot inspired footwear in relation to conventional running shoes. Method: Thirty recreational male runners underwent 3D running analysis at 4.0 m center dot s(-1). Joint moments, patellofemoral contact force and pressure and Achilles tendon forces were compared between footwear. Findings: At the knee the results show that barefoot and barefoot inspired footwear were associated with significant reductions in patellofemoral kinetic parameters. The ankle kinetics indicate that barefoot and barefoot inspired footwear were associated with significant increases in Achilles tendon force compared to conventional shoes. Interpretation: Barefoot and barefoot inspired footwear may serve to reduce the incidence of knee injuries in runners although corresponding increases in Achilles tendon loading may induce an injury risk at this tendon. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available