Foot Strike Patterns

Discussion: The objective of the first article investigated stride length, stride frequency, ground contact, and flight times for three different conditions; running barefoot, running in minimalist shoes, and running in conventional running shoes. The results of the study showed that the stride duration in barefoot running was less than the stride duration in the traditional or minimalist shoe running. Overall the results also showed that the traditional shoes had a longer stride duration when compared to the minimalist shoes. Velocity also had a significant impact on stride duration. “Stride duration was significantly greater at V1 than V2 across all conditions “ The results also showed that barefoot running resulted in a higher stride frequency when compared to the traditional and minimalist shoe conditions. Velocity also impacted stride frequency. “Stride frequency was significantly higher at V2 than V1.” (McCallion et al., 2014) When comparing the results of this article to the main articles findings there are many similarities. The main article that stride length is affected by both speed and footwear. This article finds that stride duration and
One similarity is that foot strike patterns only changed in footwear, speed had little to no effect on foot strike pattern. Another similarity is what occurred when speed was increased under each condition. Both Fredericks and Francis found that an increase in speed under a shod condition will cause an increase in step length, and that an increase in speed under a barefoot condition will cause a decrease in step length. Both of the articles results show that a decrease in step length under the barefoot condition will also lead to an increase in stride frequency, and the mechanics behind this condition reduce the ground reaction forces and the risk of injury for these