Article

People have advocated barefoot running, claiming that it is better suited to
human nature. Humans usually run barefoot using a forefoot strike and run shod
using a heel strike. The striking pattern was thought to be a key factor that
contributes to the benefit of barefoot running. The purpose of this study is to
use scientific data to prove that the striking pattern is more important than
barefoot or shod conditions for runners on running injuries prevention. Twelve
habitually male shod runners were recruited to run under four varying conditions:
barefoot running with a forefoot strike, barefoot running with a heel strike,
shod running with a forefoot strike, and shod running with a heel strike. Kinetic
and kinematic data and electromyography signals were recorded during the
experiments. The results showed that the lower extremity can gain more compliance
when running with a forefoot strike. Habitually shod runners can gain more shock
absorption by changing the striking pattern to a forefoot strike when running
with shoes and barefoot conditions. Habitually shod runners may be subject to
injuries more easily when they run barefoot while maintaining their heel strike
pattern. Higher muscle activity in the gastrocnemius was observed when running
with a forefoot strike, which may imply a greater training load on the muscle and
a tendency for injury.
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