THE EXAMINATION OF ANKLE JOINT MOTION BETWEEN BAREFOOT AND MINIMALIST RUNNING SHOES DURING GAIT CYCLES

Abstract

Studying gait analysis with particular running shoes is extremely important because the ankle and foot serve as the foundation of structural balance, support, and propulsion. In this study Vibram FiveFingers and Nike Free Run minimalist shoes were chosen because of their popularity and uniqueness. During the testing each participant ran 30 s at the speed of 3 m/s on a flat treadmill for the FiveFingers shoe, Free Run shoe, and barefoot condition. The gait cycles of heel strike, mid support and toe off were examined. In this study no statistical significant increase or decrease in dorsiflexion or plantarflexion angles was observed in the Nike Free Run or Vibram FiveFingers in any phase of gait. This study suggests that both types of minimalist footwear do “mimic” barefoot running because they do not hinder a runner’s range of motion in the ankle joint while running.