Tuesday 1 April 2014

Can changing your running style really help to prevent injury?

Lecturing at the Physios in Sport conference I attended this weekend, Dr Polly McGuigan -an expert in biomechanics - discussed how many runners are opting for a 'barefoot' approach, that aims to change from a rearfoot to forefoot running style.


Although impact through the lower limb is reduced in forefoot running by removing heel strike, greater strain is then placed on the arches of the feet. The process of changing running styles is also in itself an increased injury risk. In the short term at least, the most efficient running style is that which we already have.

If you are considering a change of running style or footwear, make sure you take a gradual approach, allowing your body to slowly adjust.