Minimalist shoes and injury incidence among runners: A systematic review

Details

Supervisors

Nguyen, Anh Phong

Faculty

Faculté des sciences de la motricité

Degree label

Master [60] en kinésithérapie et réadaptation

Abstract

Background: Running footwear and especially minimalist shoes is a young scientist topic. Minimalist running is increasing in popularity based upon a concept that it can reduce impact forces and decrease injury rates. Still, other authors pointed in the opposite direction. Purpose: The goal of this systematic review was to determine whether minimalist shoes have an incidence on running-related-injuries as compared to conventional shoes. Methods: A systematic analysis of the literature was conducted by two reviewers following the PRISMA guidelines. Results: Eight articles were included in the final analysis. Short term follows up studies demonstrated a potential harmful effect of more minimalist shoes while long term follows up studies described opposite results. Conclusion: A rapid transition from conventional shoes to minimalist shoes could be harmful. An individualized approach on why and how performs the transition should be provide for every runner. No report of increase incidence in minimalist shoes runners were recorded. Minimalist runner shoes as a categorical data seems to be unspecific. Futures studies assessing shoes must use continuous data such as minimalist index to provide better comparison.