Document Type
Article
Version Deposited
Published Version
Publication Date
8-5-2025
Publication Title
Res Sports Med
DOI
10.1080/15438627.2025.2543094
Abstract
Gait retraining programs take a structured approach to altering a runner's gait, often with the goal of decreasing footstrike angle and increasing cadence, as these outcomes have been correlated to a reduced rate of injury and optimal performance. Minimalist footwear, or running barefoot entirely, has been explored as a tool for gait adjustment in runners, largely due to the increased feedback from ground forces experienced by the runner. This systematic review aims to decipher the effect of gait retraining with minimalist footwear or barefoot running on footstrike angle and cadence. The comparison group included runners that underwent gait retraining in traditional footwear. Results showed a statistically significant decrease in footstrike angle, indicating more forefoot striking, in the experimental group, but no significant changes in cadence. This demonstrates promise in utilizing minimalist footwear or barefoot running as an adjunct to gait retraining in runners.
Recommended Citation
DesRochers, John; Chow, Alexis; Rubin, David; and Raja, Altamash, "Effect of Gait Retraining in Minimalist Footwear or Barefoot on Running Footstrike and Cadence: A Systematic Review" (2025). Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research. 308.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/som_facpub/308
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Published Citation
DesRochers, J., Chow, A., Rubin, D., & Raja, A. (2025). Effect of gait retraining in minimalist footwear or barefoot on running footstrike and cadence: a systematic review. Research in Sports Medicine, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/15438627.2025.2543094
Included in
Podiatry Commons, Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons, Sports Medicine Commons, Sports Sciences Commons
