Well-trained Endurance Runners' Foot Contact Patterns: Barefoot vs. Shod Condition.

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science

Background:

• Understanding foot strike patterns is crucial for optimizing running performance and injury prevention.
• Previous research has explored foot contact in runners, but less is known about the influence of footwear and individualized speeds on experienced athletes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the initial foot contact and contact time in experienced endurance runners under barefoot and shod conditions.
• To determine if running performance influences foot strike patterns.
• To assess the impact of running shoes on foot contact mechanics.

Main Methods:

• Forty-eight experienced endurance runners were divided into highly-trained, middle-trained, and control groups.
• Maximum aerobic speed was determined via an incremental running test.
• Participants ran barefoot and in identical running shoes at a self-selected pace and 85% of maximum aerobic speed over a pressure plate.

Main Results:

• A rearfoot strike pattern was observed in 68.8% of participants when barefoot and 77.1% when wearing shoes.
• The tendency for a rearfoot strike was lower in the barefoot condition.
• Initial foot contact and contact time appear related to running performance and are influenced by footwear.

Conclusions:

• Higher-performing runners may benefit from training in minimalist running shoes to encourage a non-rearfoot strike pattern.
• Footwear significantly influences foot contact mechanics during running.
• Running performance is associated with specific initial foot contact and contact time characteristics.