Strike type variation among Tarahumara Indians in minimal sandals versus conventional running shoes
Purpose: This study examined variation in foot strike types, lower extremity kinematics, and arch height and stiffness among Tarahumara Indians from the Sierra Tarahumara, Mexico. Methods: High speed video was used to study the kinematics of 23 individuals, 13 who habitually wear traditional minimal...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Elsevier
2014-06-01
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| Series: | Journal of Sport and Health Science |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095254614000350 |
| _version_ | 1819094610431967232 |
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| author | Daniel E. Lieberman |
| author_facet | Daniel E. Lieberman |
| author_sort | Daniel E. Lieberman |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Purpose: This study examined variation in foot strike types, lower extremity kinematics, and arch height and stiffness among Tarahumara Indians from the Sierra Tarahumara, Mexico.
Methods: High speed video was used to study the kinematics of 23 individuals, 13 who habitually wear traditional minimal running sandals (huaraches), and 10 who habitually wear modern, conventional running shoes with elevated, cushioned heels and arch support. Measurements of foot shape and arch stiffness were taken on these individuals plus an additional sample of 12 individuals.
Results: Minimally shod Tarahumara exhibit much variation with 40% primarily using midfoot strikes, 30% primarily using forefoot strikes, and 30% primarily using rearfoot strikes. In contrast, 75% of the conventionally shod Tarahumara primarily used rearfoot strikes, and 25% primarily used midfoot strikes. Individuals who used forefoot or midfoot strikes landed with significantly more plantarflexed ankles, flexed knees, and flexed hips than runners who used rearfoot strikes. Foot measurements indicate that conventionally shod Tarahumara also have significantly less stiff arches than those wearing minimal shoes.
Conclusion: These data reinforce earlier studies that there is variation among foot strike patterns among minimally shod runners, but also support the hypothesis that foot stiffness and important aspects of running form, including foot strike, differ between runners who grow up using minimal versus modern, conventional footwear. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-21T23:30:09Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-acdd48c279744b6cb6602c122c575594 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2095-2546 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-21T23:30:09Z |
| publishDate | 2014-06-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Sport and Health Science |
| spelling | doaj.art-acdd48c279744b6cb6602c122c5755942022-12-21T18:46:31ZengElsevierJournal of Sport and Health Science2095-25462014-06-0132869410.1016/j.jshs.2014.03.009Strike type variation among Tarahumara Indians in minimal sandals versus conventional running shoesDaniel E. LiebermanPurpose: This study examined variation in foot strike types, lower extremity kinematics, and arch height and stiffness among Tarahumara Indians from the Sierra Tarahumara, Mexico. Methods: High speed video was used to study the kinematics of 23 individuals, 13 who habitually wear traditional minimal running sandals (huaraches), and 10 who habitually wear modern, conventional running shoes with elevated, cushioned heels and arch support. Measurements of foot shape and arch stiffness were taken on these individuals plus an additional sample of 12 individuals. Results: Minimally shod Tarahumara exhibit much variation with 40% primarily using midfoot strikes, 30% primarily using forefoot strikes, and 30% primarily using rearfoot strikes. In contrast, 75% of the conventionally shod Tarahumara primarily used rearfoot strikes, and 25% primarily used midfoot strikes. Individuals who used forefoot or midfoot strikes landed with significantly more plantarflexed ankles, flexed knees, and flexed hips than runners who used rearfoot strikes. Foot measurements indicate that conventionally shod Tarahumara also have significantly less stiff arches than those wearing minimal shoes. Conclusion: These data reinforce earlier studies that there is variation among foot strike patterns among minimally shod runners, but also support the hypothesis that foot stiffness and important aspects of running form, including foot strike, differ between runners who grow up using minimal versus modern, conventional footwear.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095254614000350BarefootFoot strikeMinimal shoesRunningTarahumara |
| spellingShingle | Daniel E. Lieberman Strike type variation among Tarahumara Indians in minimal sandals versus conventional running shoes Journal of Sport and Health Science Barefoot Foot strike Minimal shoes Running Tarahumara |
| title | Strike type variation among Tarahumara Indians in minimal sandals versus conventional running shoes |
| title_full | Strike type variation among Tarahumara Indians in minimal sandals versus conventional running shoes |
| title_fullStr | Strike type variation among Tarahumara Indians in minimal sandals versus conventional running shoes |
| title_full_unstemmed | Strike type variation among Tarahumara Indians in minimal sandals versus conventional running shoes |
| title_short | Strike type variation among Tarahumara Indians in minimal sandals versus conventional running shoes |
| title_sort | strike type variation among tarahumara indians in minimal sandals versus conventional running shoes |
| topic | Barefoot Foot strike Minimal shoes Running Tarahumara |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095254614000350 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT danielelieberman striketypevariationamongtarahumaraindiansinminimalsandalsversusconventionalrunningshoes |