Title

PRIMITIVE RUNNING: A SURVEY ANALYSIS OF RUNNERS' INTEREST, PARTICIPATION, AND IMPLEMENTATION

Authors

Authors

C. E. Rothschild

Comments

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Abbreviated Journal Title

J. Strength Cond. Res.

Keywords

barefoot; shod; minimalist shoe; BAREFOOT; SHOD; FOOTWEAR; FORCES; Sport Sciences

Abstract

Rothschild, CE. Primitive running: A survey analysis of runners' interest, participation, and implementation. J Strength Cond Res 26(8): 2021-2026, 2012-Running is a sport that has continued to see growth in numbers over the years. Recently, there has been a movement promoting running barefoot and in light, "minimalist" shoes. Advocates of barefoot running believe that a more primitive style of running may result in fewer running-related injuries and even possibly improve performance. To identify the current interest level and participation in barefoot or minimalist shod running, an electronic survey was developed and dispersed to 6,082 runners. The survey instrument examined demographics, motivating factors, used resources, perceived barriers, and expectations in runners who add barefoot or in minimalist shod running to their training. Seven hundred eighty-five (13%) runners completed the survey. Six hundred and thirty (75.7%) indicated they were at least somewhat interested in running barefoot or in minimalist shoes. One hundred seventy-two (21.9%) runners had previously tried barefoot running, whereas 239 (30.4%) had previously tried minimalist shoes. The primary motivating factor for those running barefoot or in minimalist shoes (n = 283) was to prevent future injury (n = 97, 34.3%). Advice from friends (n = 68, 24.5%) or books (n = 68, 24.5%) was the most commonly used resource in transitioning to barefoot or minimalist shod running. Fear of possible injury (n = 424, 54%) was the most prevalent perceived barrier in transitioning to barefoot or minimalist shod running. An overwhelming 671 (85.5%) indicated that they were at least somewhat likely to continue with or to add barefoot or minimalist shod running if provided sufficient instruction. Runners who are men, of younger age, and who consider themselves elite runners are somewhat more likely to be interested in barefoot or minimalist shod running.

Journal Title

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

Volume

26

Issue/Number

8

Publication Date

1-1-2012

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

2021

Last Page

2026

WOS Identifier

WOS:000306858000002

ISSN

1064-8011

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