Variation in foot strike patterns during running among habitually barefoot populations

Area of Science:

• Human evolution
• Biomechanics
• Anthropology

Background:

• Human endurance running has a long evolutionary history.
• Modern research suggests barefoot runners use a forefoot strike to reduce impact forces.
• Previous studies were limited to a single population, leaving variation in barefoot running form unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate running foot strike patterns in a habitually barefoot population (the Daasanach of Kenya).
• To examine the effect of running speed on foot strike selection in barefoot runners.
• To understand variations in barefoot running biomechanics beyond forefoot striking.

Main Methods:

• Data collected from 38 adult Daasanach individuals running at self-selected speeds.
• Plantar pressure pads used to measure foot strike patterns.
• Analysis of foot strike selection during endurance running and sprinting.

Main Results:

• The majority of subjects used a rearfoot strike during endurance running, not a forefoot strike.
• Forefoot and midfoot strike prevalence increased significantly with running speed.
• Barefoot running biomechanics are more varied than previously assumed.

Conclusions:

• Habitually barefoot individuals do not universally prefer a forefoot strike pattern.
• Running speed is a significant factor influencing foot strike selection in barefoot runners.
• Other factors like training, substrate, distance, and frequency also impact barefoot running form.