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Int J Sports Med 2016; 37(05): 382-387
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1565140
Orthopedics & Biomechanics
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

An Acute Bout of Barefoot Running Alters Lower-limb Muscle Activation for Minimalist Shoe Users

N. J. Snow
1   Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
,
F. A. Basset
2   Memorial University of Newfoundland, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, St. John’s, Canada
,
J. Byrne
2   Memorial University of Newfoundland, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, St. John’s, Canada
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History



accepted after revision 07 October 2015

Publication Date:
02 February 2016 (online)

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Abstract

Despite the abundance of barefoot running-related research, there have been no electromyography studies evaluating the effects of this mode of exercise on habitual users of minimalist footwear. The present study investigated differences in muscle activation during acute bouts of barefoot and shod running, in minimalist shoe users. 8 male participants ran on a motorized treadmill for 10 min under both conditions, at 70% maximal aerobic speed. Electromyographic data were sampled from the biceps femoris, gluteus maximus, gastrocnemius medialis, tibialis anterior, and vastus lateralis during both swing and stance. Root-mean-square analysis of electromyographic data was conducted to compare muscle activation between conditions. During stance, barefoot running resulted in greater muscle activity in gastrocnemius medialis and gluteus maximus, and lower muscle activity in tibialis anterior. During swing, barefoot running resulted in increased muscle activity in vastus lateralis and gastrocnemius medialus. These results indicate that, for minimalist shoe users, an acute bout of barefoot running results in significantly different lower-limb muscle activity. Increased activation in the above muscles presents a possible mechanism for injury, which should be considered during exercise prescription.

Key words

electromyography - gait - treadmill
 

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