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.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International 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

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