Mechanical Comparison of Barefoot and Shod Running

• DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-821327
• Publication Date: 2005-09-29T11:09:56Z
• Authors: C. Divert; G. Mornieux; H. Baur; F. Mayer; A. Belli
• Keywords: Barefoot; Treadmill; Triceps surae muscle

In order to further compare shod versus barefoot running, 35 subjects ran two bouts of 4 minutes at 3.33 m · s-1 on a treadmill dynamometer. Parameters were measured about 60 consecutive steps. Barefoot showed mainly lower contact and flight time (p < 0.05), passive peak (1.48 1.70 body weight, p higher braking pushing impulses pre-activation triceps surae muscles 0.05) than shod. It was concluded that when performed sufficient number steps, running leads reduction impact in reduce the high mechanical stress occurring during repetitive This neural-mechanical adaptation could also enhance storage restitution elastic energy ankle extensors level.