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Increased running cadence simulates some advantages of going barefoot

By Jordana Bieze Foster

The acute effects of increased running cadence are similar to those of barefoot running, according to two studies that looked at the two techniques in a single group of runners.

Researchers from the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City analyzed five healthy runners, all rearfoot strikers, who ran overground under three conditions: shod at self-selected cadence, shod at a cadence 10% above preferred, or barefoot at a self-selected cadence. All participants typically trained in neutral running shoes.

Compared to normal shod running, running shod at an increased cadence and running barefoot were both associated with significant decreases in vertical loading rate, knee power, and peak knee flexion angle. The increased-cadence condition was also associated with significant decreases in peak hip adduction angle.

The findings were presented in early September at the annual meeting of the American Society of Biomechanics in Omaha, NE.

Sources:

Hafer JF, Bido J, Plack LA, Metzl JD. Can increased running cadence simulate the effects of going barefoot? Presented at the American Society of Biomechanics 2013 Annual Meeting, Omaha, NE, September 2013.

Bido J, Hafer JF, Plack JA, Metzl JD. Can cadence manipulation simulate the joint loading benefits of barefoot running? Presented at the American Society of Biomechanics 2013 Annual Meeting, Omaha, NE, September 2013.

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