Monday, December 27, 2010

Running Barefoot ST 271210

Today's topic on "A Runner's Diary" in the Sports section of the Straits Times on page B11 touches on whether running barefoot is a fad.

We have written on this before and there is definitely evidence that running shoes may not prevent injuries http://weloverunning.blogspot.com/2010/08/do-your-running-shoes-prevent-injuries.html and
http://weloverunning.blogspot.com/2009/03/do-high-tech-running-shoes-work.html.

We are not saying you need to be barefoot while running but as written before, please do so progressively if you're giving it a try. Better still, come run with us during our running club and we'll show you how to run pain free.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

More On Running Barefoot

The above photos show runners wearing Vibram Five Fingers (VFF) but still landing on their heels. Now the VFF's were made popular by Christopher McDougall (who was interviewed by Jeanette Wang in yesterday's Straits Times article in the previous post) in his book Born To Run.

Well, no point running in VFF's if you still land on your heels as that is what causes most running injuries. Most if not all of us have spent years wearing shoes that have caused our legs and feet to be supported by the presence of a heel so most runners now land on their heels.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not against anyone wearing the VFF. Like I written before in a previous  post it's not the shoes you wear to run, its how you run more that is more important. That means if you master the technique, you can literally run in any shoes you want.

We had many calls and emails asking about running barefoot after yesterday's article even though Sports Solutions was not quoted in the article. I even had a student contact me on my views regarding running barefoot running for her research project.

I firmly believe that what is currently suggested by most health care professionals on the basis of pronation control and cushioning is flawed.

This is what I feel regarding choosing your running shoes. Most people can run in just about any shoe (if they run correctly) as long as they take things slowly and listen to their OWN body. Problems arise when they attempt to do too much too soon in a new pair of (minimalist) shoes.

As for running barefoot, don't go and try more than 2km or else everything may hurt since you are now loading your muscles and joints (that have been so used to shoes) much more. Gradually build up your distance and it should be fine.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Running Barefoot ST 201210

Have a look at today's article in the Straits Times under the Sports section " A Runner's Diary"on page B10 on running barefoot. Sports Solutions was not quoted in the article, but we have written on the topic before.
Here's the link.

Remember it's not the shoe, it's the technique that's more important. Master it and you can run in any shoe. I've seen runners wearing the Vibram's and still landing on their heels. Read more here.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Legs Alert

Mention tennis injuries and what will probably come to mind will most likely be shoulders, elbows and maybe back injuries right?

Well, not quite if you look at a paper published by a multinational group of physiotherapists and physicians working on the ATP World Tour. The paper showed that the main areas for concern (at least among the world's elite tennis players) are the lower limbs.

Leg injuries accounted for 39-65% of injuries sustained, followed by arm/ shoulder at 24-46% while head/ trunk accounted for 8-22% of injuries.

This is not surprising as tennis involves many multi directional movements requiring players to accelerate, decelerate, twisting and cutting etc.

The researchers suggested making the player's hips more stable to reduce ankle and thigh injuries. Come see us or talk to us at Sports Solutions regarding conditioning for your tennis both to prevent injuries and to enhance your performance.

Reference

Ellenbecker TS,  Pluim B et al (2009). Common Injuries In Tennis Players: Exercises To Address Muscular Imbalances And Reduce Injury Risk. Strength & Conditioning Journal.31(4) : pp 50-58.

Photo of Gael Monfils by Associated Press

Saturday, December 4, 2010

ST 041210 Recovery Time

Have a look at the last column for this year's ST Sweet 16 Marathon Plan in today's Straits Times on page C23 under the Sports Section and you will see Sports Solutions quoted.

It was decided that the column will run today instead of next Monday since you are doing the race tomorrow.

So all the best to all our patient's taking part in tomorrow's races, the Stan Chart Marathon, the 70.3 triathlon in Phuket and the Ironman in Busselton, Perth.