The Benefits and Drawbacks of Barefoot Running-Abstract

There are several claims that running barefoot has many advantages over shod running.  The basis of this theory is that the human body evolved in a way that made it ideal for running.  Adding shoes theoretically changes the mechanics of running and has negative consequences.  The worst of these consequences is an increase in injury which can limit runner’s ability to train.  If it is a serious injury, it can have devastating consequences to the athlete.  This project is studying the difference between the mechanics of shod and unshod runners.  Human subjects are currently being tested by running on a force plate, once with shoes and once without.  The net force of the strike over time is recorded.  Slow-motion cameras help visualize the impact from the front and the side of the runner.  Force sensors at the bottom of the foot will also help acquire data on the way the force distributes along the foot.  The research and preliminary results suggest that barefoot runners will strike with their toes and shod runners will strike on their heels.  The results of this study will then be compared to past research to try to correlate running styles to common running injuries.  Therefore, there will be an understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of barefoot running as related to injury.