Citation

Rixe JA, Gallo RA, Silvis ML. Curr. Sports Med. Rep. 2012; 11(3): 160-165.

Affiliation

College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University Hershey, Hershey, PA; Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University Hershey, Hershey, PA; and Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University Hershey, Hershey, PA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1249/JSR.0b013e31825640a6

PMID

22580495

Abstract

Running has evolved throughout history from a necessary form of locomotion to an athletic and recreational pursuit. During this transition, our barefoot ancestors developed footwear. By the late 1970s, running popularity surged, and footwear manufacturers developed the running shoe. Despite new shoe technology and expert advice, runners still face high injury rates, which have yet to decline. Recently, "minimalist" running, marked by a soft forefoot strike and shorter, quicker strides, has become increasingly popular within the running community. Biomechanical studies have suggested that these features of barefoot-style running may lead to a reduction in injury rates. After conducting more outcomes-based research, minimalist footwear and gait retraining may serve as new methods to reduce injuries within the running population.

Language: en