Effect of gender and running experience on lower limb biomechanics following 5 km barefoot running

Barefoot running has been increasing in popularity, yet there is a gap in understanding concerning the biomechanics of mid-distance barefoot running, especially between genders and runners of different running-experience levels. This study examines the effects of running-experience, gender, and their interaction on running biomechanics following 5 km barefoot running. Before and after a 5 km run, three-dimensional kinematics and kinetics of the lower limb joints and plantar pressure during barefoot running were collected from 20 participants. Participants were stratified by their running-experience levels (novice and marathon-experienced) and gender. This study revealed significant gender effects on lower limb biomechanics following a 5 km barefoot run. Increased plantar pressure under the lateral aspect of the foot was observed in the female cohort, while the male cohort exhibited reduced plantar pressure under the lateral heel. This study suggests that modified lower limb running biomechanics and modified lateral foot loading after 5 km barefoot running may create a different foot loading environment for female and male runners that should be accommodated in barefoot runningand minimalist shoe design.