Vibram fivefinger research

Vibram FiveFinger Research Vi-brum: UKs one stop shop for Vibram FiveFingers

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Vibram Background

Vibram have been around for around a century, creating industry leading protective footwear. In the last 15 years they have developed a range of shoes: Vibram FiveFingers, which have been ergonomically designed that will allow for a whole range of benefits to the wearer. As the popularity of the shoes have increased so have the common misconceptions and scrutiny surrounding them and the possible negative effects that these may have on the wearer. With international scientists, biomechanics experts, and running coaches all in the firm agreement that being as close to barefoot as possible is the healthiest way to be and over the past decade there have been a large number of independent research studies ranging from prolonged investigation of the effects of wearing Vibrams through to looking at postural realignment in the foot and ankle after wearing Minimalist shoes. All of the studies on Vibrams have been carried out by respected institutions and importantly been peer reviewed to ensure that the claims that the papers make stand up and can not be refuted.


The Following

The next few slides is a brief overview of as well as the conclusion that a number of these independent research papers have drawn.

There is a link provided at the bottom of each page should you wish to read the paper in further details.


Effects of Footwear and Strike Type on Running Economy

Daniel E. Lieberman from the Department of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University looked to measure the effects of Footwear and Strike Type on Running Economy to see if anything differs in minimal shoes versus standard running shoes with cushioned elevated heels and arch supports and in forefoot versus rearfoot strike gaits.

From the results of this examination he concluded that minimally shod runners are modestly but significantly more economical than traditionally shod runners regardless of strike type, after controlling for shoe mass and stride frequency. The likely cause of this difference is more elastic energy storage and release in the lower extremity during minimal-shoe running.

Full report: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22217565

Effects Of Wearing Athletic Shoes, Five-toed Shoes, And Standing Barefoot On Balance Performance In Young Adults Barbara S. Smith, PhD looked at using 49 participants aged 18-30 years without lower extremity injury or experience wearing barefootstyle shoes were tested for static balance on the Biodex Stability System with their eyes closed while wearing Vibram FiveFingers

It draw the conclusions: Wearing Vibram FiveFingers™ provided better overall and anterior-posterior static balance than going barefoot. As well as it appearing that Vibram FiveFingers™ mimic going barefoot and may be a bridge for exercising in preparation for barefoot exercise.

The Full study and report: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25709865

12 Weeks of Simulated Barefoot Running Changes Foot-Strike Patterns in Female Runners

This paper looked to investigate the effect of a transition program of simulated barefoot running (SBR) on running kinematics and foot-strike patterns, female recreational athletes (n = 9, age 29 ± 3 yrs) without SBR experience gradually increased running distance in Vibram FiveFingers SBR footwear over 12 weeks.

Carried out by lead author C McCarthy of Departments of Anatomy and Physiology, Trinity College Dublin.

It concluded The fi ndings of this study indicate that changes in motor patterns in previously habitually shod runners are possible and can be accomplished within 12 weeks. There is emerging evidence that a FFS pattern such as developed over time by SBR could have performance benefi ts [ 16 , 17 , 24 ] and perhaps lead to lower injury rates

You can find this paper: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24048910

A comparison of the spatiotemporal parameters, kinematics, and biomechanics between shod, unshod, and minimally supported running as compared to walking.

The aim of this paper was to examine the similarities and injuries which occur between shod and unshod runners. This was carried out by Evertt B Lohman at the School of Allied Health Professionals.

This report concluded that Vibrams mimic running barefoot whilst providing protection and as yet there is no evidence to suggest either cause injury

Paper can be found: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22085708

A Survey of Runners’ Attitudes Toward and Experiences with Minimally Shod RunningThis is a survey conducted by Marissa H. Cohler, MD at the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital, Chicago using a web based questionnaire issuing to 560 member of the of the CARA (running group) in the Chicago Area made up of 31 questions to see their feeling and experiences with Vibrams

It concluded that Reductions and occurrences of 18 injury/pain with minimally shod running were reported in approximately equal numbers. The most common site of reported injury/pain reduction was the knee


Barefoot running survey: Evidence from the field

Barefoot running survey: Evidence from the field was compiled by David Hryvniak of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Virginia looked to see using a survey format looking at their experiences. From the answers it discovered While no cause and effect relationship can be drawn from a survey, a number of interesting trends were revealed. First, the majority of respondents in this survey indicated that they developed no new injuries after starting a barefoot running regimen. Second, those that did primarily experienced foot and ankle injuries indicating the need to progress slowly so that the new areas of loading can adapt. Finally, the survey results indicated that majority of barefoot runners had previous running injuries that resolved after starting barefoot running programs.

Full survey results: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095254614000337

Barefoot Training Improved Ankle Stability and Agility in Netball Players

Appearing in the International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching and research undertaken by Johanna E. de Villiers and Rachel E. Venter they tried to to determine the effects of an eight-week barefoot training programme on ankle stability, agility and speed in 20 competitive female netball players.

From their findings they discovered: “Results from this study suggested that netball players could perform netball-specific drills barefoot as part of their skills and conditioning drills.”

Full research: http://www.academia.edu/8398123/Barefoot_Training_Improved_Ankle_Stability_and_Agility_in_Netball_Players_Sports_Science_and_Coaching

Effects of 12 weeks of barefoot running on foot strike patterns, inversion-eversion and foot rotation in long-distance runners

Marcos Muñoz Jiménez from Department of Didactics of Corporal Expression, University of Jaén lead this paper to find whether 31 endurance runners with no experience in barefoot running would have any adverse effects.

It found that after 12 weeks of barefoot running, applied progressively, causes significant changes in foot strike pattern with a tendency towards midfoot or forefoot strikes, regardless of running speed and significant changes in foot rotation at low speed, while the inversion was reduced in left foot at low speed with a tendency to centered strike.

Full Report: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095254616000053

Effects of footwear on running economy in distance runners: A meta-analytical review

Appearing in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport written by R.T. Cheung S.P. Ngai looked at the economical benefits of wearing Vibrams in particular oxygen and its use.

The findings suggested that barefoot running or running in minimalist is potentially more economic compared to a shod running condition. Barefoot running or running in minimalists may improve distance running performance due to its reduced oxygen cost.


Electromyographical Analysis of Barefoot Squat: A Clinical Perspective

Sarah E. Brown from East Tennessee State University looked at comparing muscle activation in eight superficial lower limb muscles during execution of barbell back squats while in barefoot and athletic shoe conditions.

The study concluded by showing a significant increase in muscle usage whilst wearing a minimalist shoe.

Full report: http://dc.etsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1062&context=honors

Impact attenuation during weight bearing activities in barefoot vs. shod conditions: A systematic review

The paper looked at the impact on the body when conducting weight bearing activities both barefoot and in cushioned shoes. From the results of tests there was was insufficient evidence to justify a strong conclusion on the beneficial effects of cushioned shoes.

Full Report: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23245643

Effects Of Different Footwear On Vertical Jump And Landing Parameters

The paper from JOE W. LAPORTA of Human Performance Laboratory and Center for Sport Performance, Department of Kinesiology, California State University wrote this paper with the purpose of this study being to investigate the effect of different footwear on vertical jumping and landing parameters.

The results demonstrated the benefits of Vibram as a means of improving performance with no effect on impact forces. Because of these benefits it easy to assume a significant training effect would occur with repetitive jump training using minimalist shoes. This training effect should then lead to enhanced performance during competition.

Report: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23254549

Prospective Comparison Of Running Injuries Between Shod And Barefoot Runners

Allison R Altman from the Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware compared injuries between Vibram wearers and traditional shoes over the course of a year among 201 (107 barefoot and 94 shod) adult runners. This information was logged on web form monthly with participants detailing injuries and milage.

The conclusions drawn from this report was that there were significantly fewer musculoskeletal injuries were reported in barefoot runners than in shod runners.

Full Report: http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2015/06/30/bjsports-2014-094482.short?rss=1

Running With A Minimalist Shoe Increases Plantar Pressure In The Forefoot Region Of Healthy Female RunnersThe aim of this study was to investigate the differences in plantar pressure in the forefoot region between running with a minimalist shoe and running with a standard shoe in healthy female runners during overground running.

The results show running with a minimalist running shoe increases the plantar pressure in the forefoot region without changing the landing pattern

Report: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1440244014001182

Running Barefoot or in Minimalist Shoes: Evidence or Conjecture?

The purpose of this article is to discuss the biomechanical differences between barefoot and shod (wearing shoes) running and to present a preparatory exercise program for the runner interested in transitioning from a traditional running shoe to the barefoot style.

It concluded that evidence exists for improved foot intrinsic strength in the foot musculature and improved physiological economy when running barefoot.

Full Report: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/272032297_Running_Barefoot_or_in_Minimalist_Shoes

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