One of the key reasons often suggested for transisitioning to a barefoot running technique is to reduce the impacts loads, which is only an important issue if you actually believe there is even a problem with impact loads and running. I previously reported a study that showed that tibial strain was actually greater when barefoot […]
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Another look at the performance claims by the Airia One running shoe; a theoretical context
A few days ago I wrote about the launch of a new “biomechanically perfect” running shoe, the Airia One that made claims re enhancing performance. I won’t relitigate the issues raised previously, as you can read them here. The post engendered quite a response on Twitter, Facebook and in the blogosphere. One little dig that […]
Plantar Pressure Patterns and Injury Prediction
Prospective studies add to our knowledge of risk factors for overuse injury. The problem with these types of studies is the choice of variables or parameters to measure. The more variables that are chosen to see if they are or are not predictive, the more participants you need in the study which raises logistical problems. […]
The new ‘biomechanically perfect’ running shoe from Airia?
Whenever a new running shoe or new design feature is proposed or marketed, I tend to take notice, but not often write about it. I decided to write about this one. A Swedish company, Airia have started marketing their Airia One running shoe with the claims that it is the biomechanically ideal or perfect running […]
What happens during the swing phase that is related to impact loads?
The biomechanics of peak impact loads and loading rates continue to be researched on the assumption that they are related to an increased risk for injury. I keep harping on about the evidence for that is hardly compelling and there is plenty of evidence that it is not a risk factor for injury and some […]
Why ‘one size does not fit all’ when it comes to running
I have been promising these thoughts for a while. When you look at all the studies on running economy, the bulk of them are either showing that heel striking is more economical or that there is no difference between forefoot/midfoot vs rearfoot striking in running economy. The evidence does not support the rhetoric and propaganda […]
The Key to Preventing Overuse Injury in Runners is Load Management
{NOTE: random thought and rant warning on} I was contemplating on this morning’s run (the 1000 steps up in Ferntree Gully for those familiar with it) about the length of time I have gone without an injury. Its been a while. Contrary to the predictions in the comments of some posts by fan boys that […]
Review: The Story of the Human Body
A number of years ago, with the original surge in interest in things like barefoot running and paleo diets a concept that occasionally got mentioned was that of “evolutionary medicine”. I had no idea what that was, but like any good academic I did what a good academic should do and went to that great […]
Effect of barefoot running on economy and muscle action
There has been a flurry of studies on the effects of foot strike pattern or shoe condition on running economy this year. They are all pretty much showing the same thing. I have blogged about them here, here, here, here, here and here, so there is no point litigating old ground again. Two more related studies recently appeared. I can’t say a lot […]
Effect of fatigue on navicular drop – my ‘Nobel Ig Prize’ for Biomechanics Research
I have previosuly done two posts (here and here) on the issue of fatigue and in one wrote: The reason that the issue is important is that most biomechanical studies and clinical assessments are done when runners are fresh and not fatigued. When they are fresh, they may not display what are assumed to be […]
Risk factors for achilles tendon pain in runners
Last week I reported on a study that found a correlation between timing of events of the gluteal muscles and achilles tendinopathy. This was a correlation study and the achilles pain could have easily altered the gait to give the findings in the gluteal muscles or it could be that the gluteal muscles timing issue […]
Increasing Cadence and Running Injury
There has been a lot of discussion (as well as a lot of propaganda and rhetoric) and the concept that the getting the cadence to 180 a minute is an ideal way to run and can be used to prevent injury. All appraisals of that concept that I have read suggest its not right. There […]
Foot posture and Q-angle and running-related injuries
Here is another one on foot posture and running injury. I previously looked at the nonsense surrounding “overpronation”; how the media and the running blogs and forums fell for a hyped press release on how “overpronation” was not a risk factor (when in reality they removed all the high risk “overpronators” from the study); and […]
The Glutes and Achilles Tendinopathy
There is an ever increasing attention being paid to the role of proximal issues in the development of lower limb injuries. This most recent publication from Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise adds to the knowledge base: Neuromotor Control of Gluteal Muscles in Runners with Achilles Tendinopathy Smith, Melinda M.; Honeywill, Conor; Wyndow, Narelle; […]
Barefoot Running: Current state of the play
I previously wrote about the lack of evidence that supports barefoot running despite all the claims you still see appearing in the crankosphere blogosphere that there is a lot of scientific research that supports barefoot running (there isn’t). It is that lack of evidence in the context of all the claims that there is evidence […]