Barefoot Running: An Old Practice in a New Guise
From American Podiatric Medical Association article
Since the publication of Christopher McDougall’s Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen, barefoot running has been gaining a dedicated following in countries around the world. Whether this trend is good, bad, or neutral has yet to be determined. “There are no large-scale, long-term studies that support claims of reduced injury rates or performance enhancement,” said Paul R. Langer, DPM, University of Minnesota Medical School, Twin Cities. Still, proponents claim many benefits, while detractors warn of risks and injuries.
According to Dr. Langer, runners move differently when barefoot—stride length is shorter; the knee is more flexed when landing; the ankle is more plantarflexed; runners land on their mid- or forefoot; and the foot lands closer to the body. Proponents of barefoot running claim these differences in form are responsible for decreased risk of injury. They also cite improved proprioception, increased arch strength, and more efficient movement. Some claim that shoes are unnecessary, and go so far as to blame them for the relatively high incidence of running injuries.
Opponents point to a lack of scientific evidence of risks or benefits. “There’s no proof either way,” said David W. Jenkins, DPM, Arizona School of Podiatric Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ. “But generally speaking, the clinical community is skeptical, and many think that barefoot or minimalist running is downright bad.” But not everyone agrees. Drs. Langer and Jenkins both engage in, or are transitioning to, barefoot running. “This is nothing new,” said Dr. Jenkins, pointing out that his high school football team used to train barefoot once a week. “The key is to build up very gradually and be especially careful if you wear minimalist shoes,” he said. “They can give a false sense of confidence,” he noted.
Read the full article here.
