Undergraduate Senior Research Project

Scott Nesland

Barefooters
Sep 26, 2017
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Barefoot Running Community:

Greetings! My name is Scott Nesland and I am a Biology (B.S.) undergraduate student at Alderson Broaddus University located in Philippi, WV. I am conducting research for my senior research symposium this fall. The study is entitled "Impact Force and Foot Strike Method Contributions to Instances of Overuse Injuries in Shod Running versus Barefoot Running among Collegiate-aged Distance Runners." The title may seem lengthy, but I am basically just evaluating prevalence of overuse injuries among barefoot, minimalist, and traditional shod runners. What I am asking of you fellow runners is to complete my brief survey (about 10 questions) to contribute to my research. As you all may know, finding barefoot research participants in my area can be a troublesome task, so any responses from you would be greatly appreciated and would serve as a vital part of my research. If you have any questions or concerns about the nature of this study, you can email me at [email protected]. I have included a link to the survey below:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/D6BH9TW

Once again thank you for your time and consideration!
Scott Nesland
 
Welcome, Scott. Just wondering... Why this particular study? Are you a barefoot [or shod] runner? What is your experience with running?
 
Just took the survey. Best of luck with your project! I added a note about the last item not including "mid-foot strike" as an option. Also, your age brackets are pretty limited, I chose the last one because I'm 44 but if I remember that's the 23yo+ option :)

Is there a reason you're only asking about the last few years of a runner's history? I switched to minimalist 5 years ago after decades of padded, structured shoes and the difference for me is very dramatic. Of course, that may be out of the scope of your project.
 
Welcome, Scott. Just wondering... Why this particular study? Are you a barefoot [or shod] runner? What is your experience with running?
I am a NCAA DII athlete at Alderson-Broaddus University and I am in fact a shod runner. I've just always been interested in barefoot running and what benefits it may offer. I was wanting to do more in-depth research evaluating force distribution between footstrike methods employed between shod and barefoot runners, but I was pretty limited at my university in regards to equipment. Thanks again for completing the survey though!
 
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I am a NCAA DII athlete at Alderson-Broaddus University and I am in fact a shod runner. I've just always been interested in barefoot running and what benefits it may offer. I was wanting to do more in-depth research evaluating force distribution between footstrike methods employed between shod and barefoot runners, but I was pretty limited at my university in regards to equipment. Thanks again for completing the survey though!
Have you been reading the research articles out there: We have a good list here: https://www.thebarefootrunners.org/library-articles/library.26/

And why don't you give it a try? You don't need any equipment to run barefoot...and you don't even need to buy any running shoes. :barefoot:
 
Have you been reading the research articles out there: We have a good list here: https://www.thebarefootrunners.org/library-articles/library.26/

And why don't you give it a try? You don't need any equipment to run barefoot...and you don't even need to buy any running shoes. :barefoot:

Yes I have looked at several articles for the literature review I synthesized in my research methods class. Lieberman especially has done some good research in this area. And currently I don't feel comfortable making the transition with this being my last collegiate year, but after track season I might take you up on that offer!
 
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Yes I have looked at several articles for the literature review I synthesized in my research methods class. Lieberman especially has done some good research in this area. And currently I don't feel comfortable making the transition with this being my last collegiate year, but after track season I might take you up on that offer!
When you find you like running without your shoes, remember us.