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What we can learn about running from barefoot running: an evolutionary medical perspective

updated Aug 17, 2015

Tags: exercise, orthotics, running, barefoot, biomechanics, self-treatment, treatment, foot, leg, limbs, pain problems, etiology, pro, devices

One article on PainSci cites Lieberman 2012: Does barefoot running prevent injuries?

PainSci notes on Lieberman 2012:

Lieberman summarizes his thoughts about barefoot running in this paper.

“Barefoot running raises more questions about injury than we have answers at the moment … We simply do not yet know if experienced barefoot runners have fewer injuries than habitually shod runners.”

original abstract †Abstracts here may not perfectly match originals, for a variety of technical and practical reasons. Some abstacts are truncated for my purposes here, if they are particularly long-winded and unhelpful. I occasionally add clarifying notes. And I make some minor corrections.

Barefoot running, which was how people ran for millions of years, provides an opportunity to study how natural selection adapted the human body to run. Because humans evolved to run barefoot, a barefoot running style that minimizes impact peaks and provides increased proprioception and foot strength, is hypothesized to help avoid injury, regardless of whether one is wearing shoes.

original abstract †Abstracts here may not perfectly match originals, for a variety of technical and practical reasons. Some abstacts are truncated for my purposes here, if they are particularly long-winded and unhelpful. I occasionally add clarifying notes. And I make some minor corrections.

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