BAREFOOT AND SHOD RUNNING WITH DIFFERENT STRIKE PATTERNS: A KINETIC ANALYSIS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine, if running barefoot versus shod conditions over ground has any impact on kinetic variables of forefoot/mid-foot (FF/MF) versus rearfoot (RF) strike patterns. Ten men between the ages of 18 and 22 were recruited. All subjects performed five 20m runs, in each condition, over force platforms. Peak horizontal force and impulse were obtained from both braking and propulsive periods as well as peak vertical force. Results include: peak vertical force for the RF pattern in barefoot running was higher than all other conditions (p < 0.01), higher braking impulses in the RF pattern in both conditions, particularly barefoot (p < 0.01), and higher propulsive impulses in FF pattern in both conditions (p < 0.01). It is concluded that the most differences are found between strike patterns rather than between barefoot and shod running.