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Is changing footstrike pattern beneficial to runners?
Joseph Hamill1, Allison H Gruber2
1Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
Journal of Sport and Health Science
|October 26, 2018
Summary
Changing your foot strike to a mid- or forefoot pattern does not improve running economy or reduce injury risk. Current evidence does not support altering your natural rearfoot strike pattern.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Many coaches and researchers advocate for midfoot or forefoot foot strikes to enhance running performance and prevent injuries.
- This recommendation is often made despite limited scientific evidence supporting a change from the more prevalent rearfoot strike pattern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the purported benefits of altering foot strike patterns in runners.
- To examine the scientific literature regarding the claims that midfoot/forefoot striking improves running economy, reduces impact forces, and lowers injury risk.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and critique of existing research on running foot strike patterns.
- Analysis of scientific evidence supporting or refuting claims about foot strike modifications.
Main Results:
- Evidence does not support the claim that changing to a midfoot or forefoot strike improves running economy.
- Impact forces at foot-ground contact are not eliminated by altering foot strike patterns.
- Scientific literature does not demonstrate a reduced risk of running-related injuries with midfoot or forefoot striking.
Conclusions:
- Altering foot strike patterns from rearfoot to midfoot or forefoot does not yield the proposed benefits.
- Current scientific evidence does not support recommendations for runners to change their foot strike pattern to improve performance or reduce injury risk.
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