Effect of Minimalist Footwear on Running Efficiency: A Randomized Crossover Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although minimalist footwear is increasingly popular among runners, claims that minimalist footwear enhances running biomechanics and efficiency are controversial.

Hypothesis

Minimalist and barefoot conditions improve running efficiency when compared with traditional running shoes.

Study design

Randomized crossover trial.

Level of evidence

Level 3.

Methods

Fifteen experienced runners each completed three 90-second running trials on a treadmill, each trial performed in a different type of footwear: traditional running shoes with a heavily cushioned heel, minimalist running shoes with minimal heel cushioning, and barefoot (socked). High-speed photography was used to determine foot strike, ground contact time, knee angle, and stride cadence with

SUBMITTER: Gillinov SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4482302 | biostudies-literature | 2015 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature