The effect of barefoot versus shod running on leg stiffness across speeds

Graduation Date

2013

Document Type

Thesis

Program

Other

Program

Thesis (M.S.)--Humboldt State University, Kinesiology: Exercise Science, 2013

Committee Chair Name

Justus Ortega

Committee Chair Affiliation

HSU Faculty or Staff

Keywords

Shod running, Leg stiffness, Barefoot running, Speed, Humboldt State University -- Theses -- Kinesiology

Abstract

Barefoot running has become increasingly popular in the United States and throughout the world over the last few years. Our understanding of barefoot running on the spring-like mechanics of running is limited. The spring-like behavior of the body during running depends on the stiffness of the stance leg. This study investigated the effect of barefoot and shod running on leg stiffness across a range of speeds. Ten subjects came to the Humboldt State Biomechanics lab for one test session and ran at four different speeds (2m/s, 3m/s, 4m/s and 5m/s) both shod and barefoot. Leg stiffness was not different between barefoot and shod running (p = .320) but leg stiffness did increase during both barefoot and shod running as speed increased (p=.006). Vertical stiffness of the body also did not differ between a barefoot and shod running (p=.377) but increased with speed (p.0001). In conclusion, the body does not noticeably adjust leg stiffness when transitioning between barefoot and shod running but does adjust leg stiffness for both conditions in response to changes in running speed.

https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/theses/9k41zg86b

Share

 
COinS