TOPIC: Science of Barefoot Running Thesis Question: “What can we learn from barefoot running?”- You must also talk about minimalist shoes too. But a good part of the topic should involve the anatomy of the foot and biomechanics of the gait cycle.
– I already did the introduction of my Thesis paper. (thesis prep assignment doc attached below) (you may use/edit)
Notes from Professor based on my Introduction
– Tone= You’re not quite doing a “study” but more an investigation into the literature. Try and make that distinction in the intro.
– avoid use of “we”…I understand the intent, but instead, perhaps use “This paper will review…” or “Finally, the biomechanics of the gait cycle will be analyzed…”
– Sources = 3 All are fine as peer reviewed articles, but only the Article #1 is prospective in nature. Idea was to find 2 such articles. If you are still not quite sure the difference between lit review article and prospective, ask on Wednesday. (make sure you fix this)
– APA = 5 be sure to cite, even in intro after phrases like “proponents of barefoot running….” who is a proponent in the literature? Clarify. Have hanging indent after first line for each reference.
FOLLOW RUBRICS BELOW PLEASE (ITS ATTACHED)
Directions:
Thesis Presentation and accompanying Short Paper: Students will select a contemporary topic of choice in the field of health and exercise science and prepare a presentation/short paper for their thesis topic. As such, students will, using evidence, argue for (and/or against) or attempt to justify their thesis statement in the presentation/short paper. Examples of thesis statements might be: “Protein intake immediately following exercise is best for recovery and repair of muscle tissue” or “It is better to exercise during pregnancy than not” or “Exercise reduces the risk for developing high blood pressure” or “Community public health efforts have proven effective at increasing vaccination rates”.
A thesis assignment is a bit more elaborate than a traditional/standard topic review paper since it requires the investigator (you) to initially become knowledgeable in the topic area in order to provide sufficient evidence in support of or not of a thesis. Citations and referencing in the presentation and accompanying short paper must be in APA format, and use a minimum of 3 peer-reviewed, original/prospective research journal articles (along with other primary sources) as references . Other primary sources (e.g., CDC data, etc.) certainly may and should supplement information provided in the presentation/short paper.
A primary source is the original article/source on the topic, rather than a “review” article which most often sites the primary source(s) as a topic is discussed. . Short papers will be about 4-5 pages (1000-1250 words) typed and double-spaced (not including cover and reference pages) An excellent online resource for APA formatting may be found at: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/a… al_format.html.
after you’ve written the 4-5 paper I would need you to make a presentation on the thesis paper
use these resources (make sure to Include references in APA format for 2 peer-reviewed and prospective journal articles) and the rest should be good sources.
Huber, G., Jaitner, T., & Schmidt, M. (2022). Acute effects of minimalist shoes on biomechanical gait parameters in comparison to walking barefoot and in cushioned shoes: a randomised crossover study. Footwear Science, 14(2), 123–130. https://doi-org.proxymu.wrlc.org/10.1080/19424280….
Bell, E. A., Hibbert, J. E., & Domire, Z. J. (2020). Measurement of intrinsic foot stiffness in minimally and traditionally shod runners using ultrasound elastography: A pilot study. Journal of Sports Sciences, 38(13), 1516–1523.
Altman, A. R., & Davis, I. S. (2012). Barefoot running: biomechanics and implications for running injuries. Current sports medicine reports, 11(5), 244–250.
https://doi.org/10.1249/JSR.0b013e31826c9bb9
Voller. (2022). Surgical anatomy and biomechanics of the foot. Orthopaedics and Trauma., 36(4), 239–243.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mporth.2022.06.005
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What can we learn from barefoot running?
Student’s Name
Professor
Course
Institution Affiliation
Due Date
Introduction
The practice of running barefoot has gained considerable attention in the health and
exercise science field in recent years. While it has been a common practice for centuries,
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scientific research has shed light on its potential benefits and drawbacks. The purpose of this
paper is to examine the current literature on barefoot running and to determine what can be
learned from it.
Background
Barefoot running is the practice of running without shoes or wearing minimalist shoes
that simulate barefoot running. The concept is based on the idea that humans evolved to run
barefoot and that modern shoes may contribute to injuries and limit natural foot motion (Altman
& Davis, 2012). Proponents of barefoot running claim that it can improve running performance,
reduce injury risk, and promote better foot mechanics. On the other hand, critics argue that
barefoot running may increase the risk of certain injuries, such as stress fractures and plantar
fasciitis, and that it may not be suitable for all runners, particularly those with foot or ankle
conditions (Bell et al., 2020). Therefore, the question arises, what can we learn from barefoot
running?
Benefits of Barefoot Running
Multiple studies have provided evidence supporting the notion that barefoot running can
enhance running performance and lower the risk of injury. A randomized crossover study by
Huber et al. (2022) demonstrated that minimalist shoes, which simulate barefoot running, could
lower ground contact time and increase step frequency, leading to enhanced running economy.
These findings suggest that minimalist shoes can promote a more efficient running technique by
encouraging a forefoot or midfoot strike pattern and allowing for more natural foot motion.
These results are consistent with previous studies, which have shown that barefoot running or
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minimalist shoes can improve running performance and reduce injury risk by enhancing foot
mechanics and reducing impact forces.
Similarly, in a pilot study conducted by Bell et al. (2020), it was observed that individuals
who regularly engaged in barefoot running had greater intrinsic foot stiffness. Intrinsic foot
stiffness is associated with improved running performance and a decreased risk of injury. The
intrinsic foot muscles, which are responsible for stabilizing the arch of the foot, play a vital role
in shock absorption and propulsion during running. The study’s findings suggest that regular
barefoot running may help to strengthen these muscles, thereby promoting better foot mechanics
and reducing the likelihood of injury. These results are consistent with previous research that has
linked barefoot running with improved foot mechanics and a lower risk of certain injuries.
The intrinsic foot muscles stabilize the arch of the foot, which plays a crucial role in
shock absorption and forward propulsion during running. According to Altman and Davis (2012),
cushioned running shoes may disrupt the natural motion and sensory feedback of the foot, which
can lead to poor foot mechanics and a higher risk of injury. Traditional running shoes often
promote a heel-strike pattern, which can increase impact forces on the body and contribute to
overuse injuries. Barefoot running, or running in minimalist shoes, encourages a forefoot or
midfoot strike pattern, which allows for a more natural foot motion and improved foot
mechanics. Furthermore, the lack of cushioning in minimalist shoes may enhance the foot’s
sensory feedback, enabling athletes to better respond to changes in terrain and improve overall
performance. These findings suggest that barefoot running or minimalist shoes may offer a safer
and more efficient alternative to traditional cushioned running shoes. However, it is important to
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note that this approach may not be suitable for all runners, and individual factors should be
considered when deciding to engage in barefoot running.
However, despite the potential benefits of barefoot running, it may not be suitable for
everyone. For instance, individuals with pre-existing foot or ankle conditions may not have the
proper foot anatomy or biomechanics to safely practice barefoot running. Therefore, it is crucial
to consider individual factors before engaging in this type of running. Additionally, further
research is needed to establish the long-term effects of barefoot running and to develop
guidelines for its safe and effective implementation.
Drawbacks of Barefoot Running
Despite the potential benefits of barefoot running, it is not without its drawbacks. The
main concern is that it may increase the risk of certain injuries, particularly stress fractures and
plantar fasciitis. Altman and Davis (2012) cautioned that minimalist shoes, which lack
cushioning, may increase the load on the feet and legs, leading to overuse injuries. The minimal
amount of cushioning provided in these shoes may not be adequate to absorb the impact forces
generated during running, particularly for athletes who have not yet adapted to this type of
footwear. This increased load may lead to greater stress on the muscles and bones of the feet and
legs, increasing the risk of injury. Therefore, it is important to gradually transition to barefoot
running or minimalist shoes and to monitor any signs of discomfort or pain. Proper training and
technique, as well as individual factors such as foot anatomy and running experience, should also
be considered to reduce the risk of overuse injuries.
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Furthermore, barefoot running may not be suitable for all runners, particularly those with
foot or ankle conditions. Proper foot anatomy and biomechanics play a critical role in running
performance and injury prevention, as emphasized by Voller (2022). However, some runners may
have underlying foot or ankle conditions that require the support and cushioning provided by
traditional running shoes. These conditions may include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy,
or pronation abnormalities, among others. The use of traditional running shoes may provide the
necessary support and shock absorption to reduce the risk of injury and enhance performance in
these cases. Therefore, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider or a professional shoe
fitter to determine the most appropriate footwear for each individual. Additionally, incorporating
strength and conditioning exercises, stretching, and proper technique may also help to improve
foot mechanics and reduce the risk of injury.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the current literature on barefoot running suggests that it has potential
benefits and drawbacks. While it may improve running performance and reduce injury risk, it
may also increase the risk of certain injuries and may not be suitable for all runners. Therefore, it
is important to consider individual factors, such as foot anatomy, running experience, and injury
history, when deciding whether to engage in barefoot running. Moreover, more research is
needed to determine the long-term effects of barefoot running and to develop guidelines for its
safe and effective implementation.
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References
Altman, A. R., & Davis, I. S. (2012). Barefoot running: biomechanics and implications for
running injuries. Current sports medicine reports, 11(5), 244–250. https://doi.org/
10.1249/JSR.0b013e31826c9bb9
Bell, E. A., Hibbert, J. E., & Domire, Z. J. (2020). Measurement of intrinsic foot stiffness in
minimally and traditionally shod runners using ultrasound elastography: A pilot study.
Journal of Sports Sciences, 38(13), 1516–1523.
Huber, G., Jaitner, T., & Schmidt, M. (2022). Acute effects of minimalist shoes on biomechanical
gait parameters in comparison to walking barefoot and in cushioned shoes: a randomised
crossover study. Footwear Science, 14(2), 123–130. https://doi-org.proxymu.wrlc.org/
10.1080/19424280….
Voller. (2022). Surgical anatomy and biomechanics of the foot. Orthopaedics and Trauma., 36(4),
239–243. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mporth.2022.06.005
Disordered Eating and the
Female Athlete Triad
By student in HPR 201 Fall 2019
Thesis
Background Information
What is the Female Athlete Triad?
Title IX
Risk Factors
Overview
Symptoms
Components of the Female Athlete Triad
Disordered Eating
Low Bone Density
Statistics
Menstrual Disturbance
Treatment
Conclusion
Thesis
Investigating the effects of
disordered eating among
athletes is critical in preventing
the female athlete triad.
What is the
Female
Athlete Triad?
Female Athlete Triad (FAT): The combination of
disordered eating, low bone density, and
menstrual disturbance
“Patients with disordered eating may engage in a
wide range of harmful behaviors, from food
restriction to bingeing and purging, to lose weight
or maintain a thin physique”
Osteoporosis: “the loss of bone mineral density and
the inadequate formation of bone, which can lead
to increased bone fragility and risk of fracture”
Amenorrhea: the lack of a menstrual period
(Hobart & Smucker, 2000)
Title IX Implementation
Title IX
No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation
in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education
program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance (Title IX and Sex
Discrimination, 2018).
Increased the number of women who participate in sports
Increased the number of women who developed the Female Athlete Triad
Risk Factors
Girls and women who:
Are competitive athletes
Play sports that place an emphasis on weight
Exercise excessively (more than what is healthy)
Are obsessed with being thin
Have body image issues
Have depressed mode
Have coaches or parents who push them to win at all costs
(Female Athlete Triad, 2017)
Symptoms
Constantly
feeling
fatigued,
lethargic
Difficulty
sleeping,
insomnia
Irregular or
absent
menstrual
cycles
Frequent
restriction
of food
intake
Weight
loss
Frequent
injuries,
such as
muscle
strains or
stress
fractures
Sensitivity
to cold
Preoccupation with
food and
weight
(Ekern &
Karges)
Disordered Eating
Intentional Restriction
Deliberate Restriction of calorie
intake for the purpose of being leaner
Refusal to maintain a weight above a
minimally normal body weight for
age and height
Purging behaviors
Unintentional Restriction
Lack of knowledge of nutrition
Not making time to eat or forgetting
to eat
Appetite not sufficient for energy
expenditure
Self-induced vomiting
Use of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas
Fasting
Excessive exercise
(Loveless & Hewitt, 2017)
Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa
“Restriction of energy intake relative to requirements, leading to a significantly
low body weight… Significantly low weight is defined as a weight that is less
than minimally normal or, for children and adolescents, less than that minimally
expected.”
“Intense fear of gaining weight or of becoming fat, or persistent behavior that
interferes with weight gain, even though at a significantly low weight.”
May experience body dysmorphia
(American Psychiatric Association, 2013)
Eating Disorders
Bulimia Nervosa
Recurrent episodes of binging and purging
Binging: “Eating, in a discrete period of time (e.g., within any 2-hour period),
an amount of food that is definitely larger than what most individuals would
eat in a similar period of time under similar circumstances.”
Purging: ” Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behaviors in order to
prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting; misuse of laxatives,
diuretics, or other medications; fasting; or excessive exercise.”
(American Psychiatric Association, 2013)
Eating Disorders
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
“An eating or feeding disturbance based on the sensory characteristics
of food; concern about aversive consequences of eating) as manifested
by persistent failure to meet appropriate nutritional and/or energy
needs…”
Not related to weight or shape concern
(American Psychiatric Association, 2013)
Low Bone Density
Osteoporosis: a bone disease that occurs
when the body loses too much bone, makes
too little bone, or both. Bones become weak
as a result and fractures can occur.
Low estrogen = Low bone density
Young healthy females achieve 92% of their
total body bone mineral content by age 18
(Loveless & Hewitt, 2017)
Low Bone Density Statistics
“Low bone density is reported in 22–50% of elite female athletes compared with
12% of the general population”
“Amenorrhoeic athletes have a 2–4-fold increased risk of stress fracture
compared with eumenorrheic athletes”
“Amenorrhoeic athletes also have 10–20% less lumbar spine BMD compared with
eumenorrheic athletes”
(Hobart & Smucker, 2000)
Menstrual Disturbance
Menstrual dysfunction ranges from infrequent cycles to primary or secondary
amenorrhea
Primary amenorrhea should be considered if the individual has not started
their period by age 15
Secondary amenorrhea occurs when an individual has not had a menstrual
cycle in 90 days
The prevalence of secondary amenorrhea in elite female athletes is not
clearly defined, but is reported to be as high as 65% in long-distance runners
and 69% in dancers compared with 2–5% in the general population
(Loveless & Hewitt, 2017)
Nutritional counseling
Treatment
Medication
Medical management by a
physician
Break from athletic activities
Women today have greater
opportunities to participate and
compete in various sports
More women are at risk for the Female
Athlete Triad than ever before
Conclusion
Being aware of the Female Athlete
Triad and symptoms can be helpful to
parents, coaches and mentors
Appropriate interventions can prevent
irreversible bone mass loss, promote
the resumption of normal menstruation
and prevent fatality from eating
disorders
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and
statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC:
Author.
Ekern, J., & Karges, C. (n.d.). Is Female Athlete Triad Syndrome a Dangerous Health Issue?
Retrieved December 6, 2019, from
https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/information/eating-disorder/dangers-of-femaleathlete-triad-syndrome.
Female Athlete Triad. (2017, October 2). Retrieved from
https://familydoctor.org/condition/female-athlete-triad/.
Hobart, J. A., & Smucker, D. R. (2000, June 1). The Female Athlete Triad. Retrieved from
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0601/p3357.html.
References
Is Female Athlete Triad Syndrome a Dangerous Health Issue? (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/information/eating-disorder/dangers-of-femaleathlete-triad-syndrome.
Learn What Osteoporosis Is and What It’s Caused by. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.nof.org/patients/what-is-osteoporosis/.
Loveless, M., & Hewitt, G. (2017). Female Athlete Triad. American College of Obstetricians
and Gynocologists . Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/-/media/CommitteeOpinions/Committee-on-Adolescent-HealthCare/co702.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20191206T1701500370
Title IX and Sex Discrimination. (2018, September 25). Retrieved from
https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/tix_dis.html.
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