This is an interesting study that looks at plantar sensitivity and gait. Subjects had their gait measured in barefoot conditions. Then an anesthetic was used to numb the nerves in the bottom of the foot. Some interesting things then happened: leg stiffness decreased (which is not a good thing in running). Ground time increased (and flight time decreased). Peak force was also lower.
The article has some interesting quotes: "The plantar surface of the foot is the only part of the
body to encounter the ground during bipedal locomotion.
It would seem logical that some aspect of the neurological
functioning of the foot is responsible for
transmission of information about the surface characteristics
to the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in changes in leg stiffness."
"With regard to human locomotion, the ability to alter the stiffness of the leg spring is essential to maintaining an efficient gait. When running or hopping over the ground, the stored energy is constantly stored and returned in the musculoskeletal system."
Shoes decrease the tactile sensitivity of the foot. Wouldn't it then follow that running in shoes would lead to a less efficient gait?
It makes sense to me...
This is an interesting study that looks at plantar sensitivity and gait. Subjects had their gait measured in barefoot conditions. Then an anesthetic was used to numb the nerves in the bottom of the foot. Some interesting things then happened: leg stiffness decreased (which is not a good thing in running). Ground time increased (and flight time decreased). Peak force was also lower.
The article has some interesting quotes: "The plantar surface of the foot is the only part of the body to encounter the ground during bipedal locomotion. It would seem logical that some aspect of the neurological functioning of the foot is responsible for transmission of information about the surface characteristics to the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in changes in leg stiffness."
"With regard to human locomotion, the ability to alter the stiffness of the leg spring is essential to maintaining an efficient gait. When running or hopping over the ground, the stored energy is constantly stored and returned in the musculoskeletal system."
Shoes decrease the tactile sensitivity of the foot. Wouldn't it then follow that running in shoes would lead to a less efficient gait?
It makes sense to me...