Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 10, 2026
07:51
An Innovative Running Wheel-based Mechanism for Improved Rat Training Performance
Published on: September 19, 2016
9.3K
Improving Running Economy by Transitioning to Minimalist Footwear: A Randomised Controlled Trial
K Lindlein1, A Zech2, A Zoch3
1Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Institute of Human Movement Science, University of Hamburg, Germany; Department of Cardiology, Internal Medicine I, Helios Albert-Schweitzer-Hospital, Germany.
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport
|May 30, 2018
Summary
Transitioning to minimalist footwear (MFW) for eight weeks showed small to moderate improvements in running economy (RE) for male runners compared to conventional running shoes (CRS). While not statistically significant, these findings suggest potential benefits for running performance.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Debates persist regarding the long-term effects of barefoot and minimalist running on physical performance.
- Previous research has not yielded conclusive findings on the benefits and risks associated with minimalist footwear (MFW).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of an 8-week transition to minimalist footwear (MFW) on running economy (RE).
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 32 male runners habitually using conventional running shoes (CRS).
- Participants were assigned to either an 8-week MFW intervention group or a CRS control group.
- Running economy was assessed via VO2max and submaximal tests at 70% and 80% of vVO2max before and after the intervention.
Main Results:
- The MFW group exhibited small to moderate improvements in running economy (RE) compared to the control group.
- Effect sizes for RE improvements in CRS ranged from 0.68 to 0.78, and in MFW from 0.3 to 0.42.
- These improvements did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05), with no significant group by time interactions observed.
Conclusions:
- Training in minimalist footwear (MFW) demonstrated a trend towards improved running economy (RE) compared to conventional running shoes (CRS).
- Despite the lack of statistical significance, the observed small to moderate effect sizes suggest potential benefits of MFW for running performance.
Related Concept Videos
02:31Phase Transitions
23.3K
Whether solid, liquid, or gas, a substance's state depends on the order and arrangement of its particles (atoms, molecules, or ions). Particles in the solid pack closely together, generally in a pattern. The particles vibrate about their fixed positions but do not move or squeeze past their neighbors. In liquids, although the particles are closely spaced, they are randomly arranged. The position of the particles are not fixed—that is, they are free to move past their neighbors to...
23.3K
02:58Properties of Transition Metals
30.0K
Transition metals are defined as those elements that have partially filled d orbitals. As shown in Figure 1, the d-block elements in groups 3–12 are transition elements. The f-block elements, also called inner transition metals (the lanthanides and actinides), also meet this criterion because the d orbital is partially occupied before the f orbitals.
30.0K
01:17Wald-Wolfowitz Runs Test II
560
The Wald-Wolfowitz runs test, commonly referred to as the runs test, is a nonparametric test used to assess the randomness of ordered data. The test evaluates the number of runs, which are consecutive sequences of similar elements within the data. If the number of runs is significantly higher or lower than expected, the data is considered non-random, indicating a detectable pattern or structure.
For binary data, runs are identified using symbols such as + and −, or equivalently, 1s and 0s. In...
For binary data, runs are identified using symbols such as + and −, or equivalently, 1s and 0s. In...
560
01:58Cooperative Allosteric Transitions
8.8K
Cooperative allosteric transitions can occur in multimeric proteins, where each subunit of the protein has its own ligand-binding site. When a ligand binds to any of these subunits, it triggers a conformational change that affects the binding sites in the other subunits; this can change the affinity of the other sites for their respective ligands. The ability of the protein to change the shape of its binding site is attributed to the presence of a mix of flexible and stable segments in the...
8.8K
01:17Wald-Wolfowitz Runs Test I
970
The Wald-Wolfowitz test, also known as the runs test, is a nonparametric statistical test used to assess the randomness of a sequence of two different types of elements (e.g., positive/negative values, successes/failures). It examines whether the order of the elements in a sequence is random or if there is a pattern or trend present. This nonparametric test applies to any ordered data despite the population and sample data distribution, even if a higher sample size is available.
The test works...
The test works...
970
01:12Trial and Error and Algorithm
429
A problem-solving strategy is a plan of action used to find a solution. Different strategies have distinct action plans. Trial and error involves trying different solutions until one works. For instance, to fix a broken printer, you might check ink levels, ensure the paper tray isn't jammed, and verify the printer's connection to your laptop. This method can be time-consuming but is commonly used. Thomas Edison, for example, used trial and error to find a suitable filament for the light...
429