The following study proposes to investigate the injury risk associated with the use of a new category of running footwear: the minimalist shoe. A group of experienced adult male and female runners with neutral foot types will take part in this study. All participants will be randomized to receive one of three different shoes: a full minimalist shoe (Vibram 5-Fingers), a partial minimalist shoe (Nike Free 3.0) and a conventional neutral supportive running shoe (Nike Pegasus), while training for a 10k event over a 14-week period. Outcomes to be investigated are pain, footwear perception, and number of injury events. The hypothesizes is that participants using the minimalist footwear during their running program will experience a reduction in running related pain. A greater degree of footwear minimalism will result in a greater reduction in pain (compared to the partial minimalist shoe, Nike Free).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
91
Conventional neutral supportive running footwear. Non minimalist.
Partial minimalist shoe with partially elevated heel, but with increased mid-sole flexibility.
Full minimalist shoe. Virtually no mid-sole, therefore no heel elevation or forefoot rockering. A proxy for a barefoot running condition.
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Number of Injury Events
Number of run injury events (defined as unable to complete 3 consecutive running workouts due to running related pain). A calculation of injury incidence will be based on this number after dividing by the number of athletic exposures.
Time frame: 12 weeks
Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI)
Time frame: Week 12
Numerical Pain Scale (NPS) for Overall Running Related Pain
Time frame: Week 12
Regional Specific NPS: Shin and Calf Pain
Time frame: Week 12
Regional Specific NPS: Foot and Ankle Pain
Time frame: 12 Week
Regional Specific NPS: Knee Pain
Time frame: 12 Weeks
Regional Specific NPS: Pelvis and Groin Pain
Time frame: 12 Week
Regional Specific NPS: Lower Back Pain
Time frame: 12 Week
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