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Int J Sports Med 2016; 37(02): 154-158
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1559685
Orthopedics & Biomechanics
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

The Effects of a Transition to Minimalist Shoe Running on Intrinsic Foot Muscle Size

A. W. Johnson
1   Department of Exercise Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, United States
,
J. W. Myrer
1   Department of Exercise Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, United States
,
U. H. Mitchell
1   Department of Exercise Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, United States
,
I. Hunter
2   Exercise Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, United States
,
S. T. Ridge
1   Department of Exercise Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, United States
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History



accepted after revision 27 July 2015

Publication Date:
28 October 2015 (online)

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Abstract

A proposed benefit of minimalist shoe running is an increase in intrinsic foot muscle strength. This study examined change in intrinsic foot muscle size in runners transitioning to Vibram FiveFingers™ minimalist shoes compared to a control group running in traditional running shoes. We compare pre-transition size between runners who developed bone marrow edema to those who did not. 37 runners were randomly assigned to the Vibram FiveFingers™ group (n=18) or control group (n=19). Runners’ bone marrow edema and intrinsic foot muscle size were measured at baseline and after 10 weeks. Total running volume was maintained by all runners. A significant increase in abductor hallucis cross-sectional area of 10.6% occurred in the Vibram FiveFingers™ group compared to the control group (p=0.01). There was no significant change in any of the other muscles examined (p>0.05). 8 of the Vibram FiveFingers™ runners, and 1 control runner developed bone marrow edema. Those who developed bone marrow edema, primarily women, had significantly smaller size in all assessed muscles (p≤0.05). Size of intrinsic foot muscles appears to be important in safely transitioning to minimalist shoe running. Perhaps intrinsic foot muscle strengthening may benefit runners wanting to transition to minimalist shoes.

Key words

abductor hallucis - ultrasound imaging - barefoot running - bone marrow edema - Vibram FiveFingers

Comment to this article:

Response to the Letter to the Editor for article: The Effects of a Transition to Minimalist Shoe Running on Intrinsic Foot Muscle Size Int J Sports Med 2016; 37(11): 917-917
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1585483

Comment to this article:

Letter to the Editor to the article: The Effects of a Transition to Minimalist Shoe Running on Intrinsic Foot Muscle Size Int J Sports Med 2016; 37(11): 915-916
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-113984

 

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