LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Popular running magazines, running shoe companies and medical providers all have different suggestions on what type of running shoe will prevent injuries.
Recently, the Baltimore Sun published an article on barefoot joggers and cited the increase in popularity of this type of running for injury prevention; however, there is little research to support barefoot running as a safe alternative to running in shoes.
Many articles, medical providers and the Armed Forces have traditionally recommended one buy a shoe based on arch type.
When it comes to shoes there are many choices. Common shoe types include: cushion, stability and motion controlled, and new "five finger" shoes. Previously, motion- controlled shoes for low-arched individuals were recommended, and stability shoes for the average arched individuals. If you had high arches, then a cushion shoe was suggested. Five-Finger shoes have been suggested for average-arched individuals.
Nonetheless, the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command research found that choosing shoes based on arch type increased the risk of injury in U.S. Army Basic Combat Training.
The Langley Physical Therapy Department recommends that when selecting a running shoe, you choose a stability shoe no matter your foot type. This type of shoe has been shown to decrease the risk of injury and may prevent overuse trauma, which would require a medical referral. Old or worn shoes, greater than six months old or with 300 to 400 miles, should be replaced to prevent injury as well.
Throughout the month of October, the Langley Physical Therapy staff will host classes and provide information to acquaint our fellow armed forces personnel with the services offered by the Department.
For further information, call Langley Physical Therapy at 764-6963.
References:
1. Knapik, JJ, Swedler, DI, Grier, TL, Hauret, KG, Bullock, SH, Williams, KW, Darakjy SS, Lester, ME, Tobler, SK and Jones, BH. Injury reduction effectiveness of selecting running shoes based on plantar shape. J Strength Cond Res 23(3): 685-697,2009
2. Gardner,LI, Dziados, JE, Jones, BH, Brundage, JF, Harris, JM, Sullivan, R, and Gill, P. Prevention of lower extremity stress fractures: a controlled trail of a shock absorbent insole. Am J Pub Health 78: 1563-1567, 1988.
3. Desmon , Stephanie. Barefoot Joggers start sole-less movement. The Baltimore Sun, Running.