Karsten Hollander1, Christoph Heidt, Babette C VAN DER Zwaard, Klaus-Michael Braumann, Astrid Zech. 1. 1Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Institute of Human Movement Science, University of Hamburg, GERMANY; 2Department of Orthopaedics, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, SWITZERLAND; 3Department of Sport Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, SOUTH AFRICA; and 4Institute of Sport Science, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, GERMANY.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Barefoot locomotion is widely believed to be beneficial for motor development and biomechanics but are implied to be responsible for foot pathologies and running-related injuries. Although most of available studies focused on acute effects of barefoot running and walking little is known regarding the effects of long-term barefoot versus shod locomotion. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature to evaluate current evidence of habitual barefoot (HB) versus habitual shod locomotion on foot anthropometrics, biomechanics, motor performance, and pathologies. METHODS: Four electronic databases were searched using terms related to habitually barefoot locomotion. Relevant studies were identified based on title, abstract, and full text, and a forward (citation tracking) and backward (references) search was performed. Risk of bias was assessed, data pooling, and meta-analysis (random effects model) performed and finally levels of evidence determined. RESULTS: Fifteen studies with 8399 participants were included. Limited evidence was found for a reduced ankle dorsiflexion at footstrike (pooled effect size, -3.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], -5.18 to -1.76) and a lower pedobarographically measured hallux angle (-1.16; 95% CI, -1.64 to -0.68). HB populations had wider (0.55; 95% CI, 0.06-1.05) but no shorter (-0.22; 95% CI, -0.51 to 0.08) feet compared with habitual shod populations. No differences in relative injury rates were found, with limited evidence for a different body part distribution of musculoskeletal injuries and more foot pathologies and less foot deformities and defects in HB runners. CONCLUSIONS: Only limited or very limited evidence is found for long-term effects of HB locomotion regarding biomechanics or health-related outcomes. Moreover, no evidence exists for motor performance. Future research should include prospective study designs.
INTRODUCTION: Barefoot locomotion is widely believed to be beneficial for motor development and biomechanics but are implied to be responsible for foot pathologies and running-related injuries. Although most of available studies focused on acute effects of barefoot running and walking little is known regarding the effects of long-term barefoot versus shod locomotion. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature to evaluate current evidence of habitual barefoot (HB) versus habitual shod locomotion on foot anthropometrics, biomechanics, motor performance, and pathologies. METHODS: Four electronic databases were searched using terms related to habitually barefoot locomotion. Relevant studies were identified based on title, abstract, and full text, and a forward (citation tracking) and backward (references) search was performed. Risk of bias was assessed, data pooling, and meta-analysis (random effects model) performed and finally levels of evidence determined. RESULTS: Fifteen studies with 8399 participants were included. Limited evidence was found for a reduced ankle dorsiflexion at footstrike (pooled effect size, -3.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], -5.18 to -1.76) and a lower pedobarographically measured hallux angle (-1.16; 95% CI, -1.64 to -0.68). HB populations had wider (0.55; 95% CI, 0.06-1.05) but no shorter (-0.22; 95% CI, -0.51 to 0.08) feet compared with habitual shod populations. No differences in relative injury rates were found, with limited evidence for a different body part distribution of musculoskeletal injuries and more foot pathologies and less foot deformities and defects in HB runners. CONCLUSIONS: Only limited or very limited evidence is found for long-term effects of HB locomotion regarding biomechanics or health-related outcomes. Moreover, no evidence exists for motor performance. Future research should include prospective study designs.
Authors: Astrid Zech; Ranel Venter; Johanna E de Villiers; Susanne Sehner; Karl Wegscheider; Karsten Hollander Journal: Front Pediatr Date: 2018-04-25 Impact factor: 3.418
Authors: Ana Marchena-Rodriguez; Ana Belen Ortega-Avila; Pablo Cervera-Garvi; David Cabello-Manrique; Gabriel Gijon-Nogueron Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-05-19 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Karsten Hollander; Johanna Elsabe de Villiers; Ranel Venter; Susanne Sehner; Karl Wegscheider; Klaus-Michael Braumann; Astrid Zech Journal: Int J Sports Med Date: 2017-11-16 Impact factor: 3.118