The Automatic Strike-Change Phenomenon: When Running Barefoot Patients Change from a Heel Strike to a Forefoot Strike Without Any Instruction

Kinematic and kinetic comparison of barefoot and shod running in mid/forefoot and rearfoot strike runners.

Barefoot running has been associated with decreased stride length and switching from a rearfoot strike (RFS) pattern to a mid/forefoot strike (M/FFS) pattern. However, some individuals naturally contact the ground on their mid/forefoot, even when wearing cushioned running shoes. The purpose of this study was to determine if the mechanics of barefoot running by natural shod RFS runners differed ...

Is There Evidence to Support a Forefoot Strike Pattern in Barefoot Runners? A Review

CONTEXT Barefoot running is a trend among running enthusiasts that is the subject of much controversy. At this time, benefits appear to be more speculative and anecdotal than evidence based. Additionally, the risk of injuries is not well established. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A PubMed search was undertaken for articles published in English from 1980 to 2011. Additional references were accrued from...

Orthotic intervention in forefoot and rearfoot strike running patterns.

OBJECTIVE To compare the differential effect of custom orthoses on the lower extremity mechanics of a forefoot and rearfoot strike pattern. DESIGN Fifteen subjects ran with both a forefoot and a rearfoot strike pattern with and without orthoses. Lower extremity kinematic and kinetic variables were compared between strike pattern and orthotic conditions. BACKGROUND Foot orthoses have been sh...

To strike or not to strike.

Is the foot striking pattern more important than barefoot or shod conditions in running?

People have advocated barefoot running, claiming that it is better suited to human nature. Humans usually run barefoot using a forefoot strike and run shod using a heel strike. The striking pattern was thought to be a key factor that contributes to the benefit of barefoot running. The purpose of this study is to use scientific data to prove that the striking pattern is more important than baref...