RUNNING INJURIES: FOREFOOT VERSUS REARFOOT AND BAREFOOT VERSUS SHOD: A BIOMECHANIST’S PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a debate regarding the use of different footfall patterns to reduce injury risk and enhance performance. Humans have three footfall patterns available to them when running: rearfoot, midfoot and forefoot. These different patterns are distinguished by the portion of the foot that’s makes initial contact with the ground. Interestingly, until very recently, there has been little research to show the pros or cons of the various footfall patterns. Here we will discuss several studies that have been carried out to distinguish footfall patterns in terms of kinematics and kinetics, running economy, the effect of surface and coordination on the risk of running injury.