Little evidence for risks, or benefits, of habitual barefootedness

Barefoot TJ

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Mar 5, 2010
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without looking at the actual review, I only have one thing to say from the article. they say there is no difference in "Relative injury rates were similar regardless of footwear state". That means they can include cuts, bruises, blisters as injuries in comparison to fractures, strains, sprains, and PF that shoe wearers get more frequently. Don't always jump at the headlines and sadly, you have to read between the lines. I will search for the article later and take a closer look. If i see anything different i will let you know.
 
Sad, especially when barefoot is the default.
 
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I finally read the entire article. It's a systematic review. What that means is they look at all articles with similar research. Similar, not the same. They started with over 2000 articles and narrowed it down to 15. Of those 15 only one looked at injuries. Those injuries, when compared, were 30% less for bf runners. Injuries such as (iliotibial band syndrome, patellofemoral pain, gluteal/hamstring strain and tendinitis, plantar fasciitis). Injuries were increased in achilles tendonitis and other calf muscle strains/tendonitis were noted. As any bf runner knows when one switches to bf they have shortened achilles and tend to land higher on their toes instead of almost flat like an experienced bf'r would.

Like all research they conclude that more research needs to be done and that a consensus on what habitual barefoot means should be made.
 
I finally read the entire article. It's a systematic review. What that means is they look at all articles with similar research. Similar, not the same. They started with over 2000 articles and narrowed it down to 15. Of those 15 only one looked at injuries. Those injuries, when compared, were 30% less for bf runners. Injuries such as (iliotibial band syndrome, patellofemoral pain, gluteal/hamstring strain and tendinitis, plantar fasciitis). Injuries were increased in achilles tendonitis and other calf muscle strains/tendonitis were noted. As any bf runner knows when one switches to bf they have shortened achilles and tend to land higher on their toes instead of almost flat like an experienced bf'r would.

Like all research they conclude that more research needs to be done and that a consensus on what habitual barefoot means should be made.
Thank you for that, Mig!