The influence of barefoot and barefoot-inspired footwear on the kinetics and kinematics of running in comparison to conventional running shoes

Article


Sinclair, J., Greenhalgh, A., Brooks, D., Edmundson, C. and Hobbs, S. 2013. The influence of barefoot and barefoot-inspired footwear on the kinetics and kinematics of running in comparison to conventional running shoes. Footwear Science. 5 (1), pp. 45-53. https://doi.org/10.1080/19424280.2012.693543
TypeArticle
TitleThe influence of barefoot and barefoot-inspired footwear on the kinetics and kinematics of running in comparison to conventional running shoes
AuthorsSinclair, J., Greenhalgh, A., Brooks, D., Edmundson, C. and Hobbs, S.
Abstract

Background: Barefoot running has been the subject of much attention in footwear biomechanics literature, based on the supposition that it serves to reduce the occurrence of overuse injuries in comparison to conventional shoe models. This consensus has led footwear manufacturers to develop shoes that aim to mimic the mechanics of barefoot locomotion.
Objectives: This study compared the impact kinetics and three-dimensional (3-D) joint angular kinematics observed while running barefoot, in conventional cushioned running shoes and in shoes designed to integrate the perceived benefits of barefoot locomotion. The aim of the current investigation was therefore to determine whether differences in impact kinetics exist between the footwear conditions and whether shoes that aim to simulate barefoot movement patterns can closely mimic the 3-D kinematics of barefoot running.
Method: Twelve participants ran at 4.0 m s−1 (±5%) in each footwear condition. Angular joint kinematics from the hip, knee and ankle in the sagittal, coronal and transverse planes were measured using an eight-camera motion analysis system. In addition, simultaneous tibial acceleration and ground reaction forces were obtained. Impact parameters and joint kinematics were subsequently compared using repeated-measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs).
Results: The kinematic analysis indicated that, in comparison to the conventional and barefoot-inspired shoes, running barefoot was associated with significantly greater plantar–flexion at footstrike and range of motion to peak dorsiflexion. Furthermore, the kinetic analysis revealed that, compared to the conventional footwear, impact parameters were significantly greater in the barefoot condition.
Conclusions: This study suggests that barefoot running is associated with impact kinetics linked to an increased risk of overuse injury when compared to conventional shod running. Furthermore, the mechanics of the shoes that aim to simulate barefoot movement patterns do not seem to closely mimic the kinematics of barefoot locomotion.

PublisherTaylor and Francis
JournalFootwear Science
ISSN1942-4280
Publication dates
Print01 Jan 2013
Publication process dates
Deposited30 Jan 2015
Accepted02 Jan 2013
Output statusPublished
Copyright Statement

Full text access restricted pending copyright check

Additional information

Published online: 05 Jul 2012

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/19424280.2012.693543
LanguageEnglish
Permalink -

https://repository.mdx.ac.uk/item/84yx5

Restricted files

Publisher's version

  • 20
    total views
  • 0
    total downloads
  • 0
    views this month
  • 0
    downloads this month

Export as

Related outputs

Effect of postactivation potentiation on fifty-meter freestyle in national swimmers
Sarramian, V., Turner, A. and Greenhalgh, A. 2015. Effect of postactivation potentiation on fifty-meter freestyle in national swimmers. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 29 (4), pp. 1003-1009. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000000708
Influence of footwear choice, velocity and surfaces on tibial accelerations experienced by field hockey participants during running
Greenhalgh, A., Sinclair, J., Leat, A. and Chockalingam, N. 2012. Influence of footwear choice, velocity and surfaces on tibial accelerations experienced by field hockey participants during running. Footwear Science. 4 (3), pp. 213-219. https://doi.org/10.1080/19424280.2012.696725
Influence of surface on impact shock experienced during a fencing lunge
Greenhalgh, A., Bottoms, L. and Sinclair, J. 2012. Influence of surface on impact shock experienced during a fencing lunge. Journal of Applied Biomechanics. 29 (4), pp. 463-467.
Differences in tibiocalcaneal kinematics measured with skin- and shoe-mounted markers
Sinclair, J., Greenhalgh, A., Taylor, P., Edmundson, C., Brooks, D. and Hobbs, S. 2013. Differences in tibiocalcaneal kinematics measured with skin- and shoe-mounted markers. Human Movement. 14 (1), pp. 64-69. https://doi.org/10.2478/humo-2013-0005
Investigation of localised pressure applied to the foot through the uppers of footwear during sports specific movements
Greenhalgh, A., Sinclair, J. and Chockalingam, N. 2012. Investigation of localised pressure applied to the foot through the uppers of footwear during sports specific movements. Human Movement. 13 (4), pp. 350-354. https://doi.org/10.2478/v10038-012-0041-2
Gender differences in the kinetics and kinematics of distance running: implications for footwear design
Sinclair, J., Greenhalgh, A., Edmundson, C., Brooks, D. and Hobbs, S. 2012. Gender differences in the kinetics and kinematics of distance running: implications for footwear design. International Journal of Sports Science and Engineering. 6 (2), pp. 118-128.
The effect of shoe toe box shape and volume on forefoot interdigital and plantar pressures in healthy females
Branthwaite, H., Chockalingam, N. and Greenhalgh, A. 2013. The effect of shoe toe box shape and volume on forefoot interdigital and plantar pressures in healthy females. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research. 6 (28). https://doi.org/10.1186/1757-1146-6-28
The influence of different force and pressure measuring transducers on lower extremity kinematics measured during walking
Greenhalgh, A., Taylor, P. and Sinclair, J. 2014. The influence of different force and pressure measuring transducers on lower extremity kinematics measured during walking. Gait & Posture. 40 (3), pp. 476-479. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2014.05.003
A comparison of center of pressure variables recorded during running in barefoot, minimalist footwear, and traditional running shoes in the female population
Greenhalgh, A., Hampson, J., Thain, P. and Sinclair, J. 2014. A comparison of center of pressure variables recorded during running in barefoot, minimalist footwear, and traditional running shoes in the female population. The Foot and Ankle Online Journal. 7 (3), p. 6. https://doi.org/10.3827/faoj.2014.0703.0006
Determinants of Olympic fencing performance and implications for strength and conditioning training
Turner, A., James, N., Dimitriou, L., Greenhalgh, A., Moody, J., Fulcher, D., Mias, E. and Kilduff, L. 2014. Determinants of Olympic fencing performance and implications for strength and conditioning training. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 28 (10), pp. 3001-3011. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000000478
Comparison of Achilles tendon loading between male and female recreational runners
Greenhalgh, A. and Sinclair, S. 2014. Comparison of Achilles tendon loading between male and female recreational runners. Journal of Human Kinetics. 44 (1), pp. 129-137. https://doi.org/10.2478/hukin-2014-0121