If you are a runner, forefoot running is useful in dealing with shin splints because it reduces muscle activity in the tibialis anterior during the swing phase of running as compared with heel strike running.
In forefoot running, the foot is relaxed and held in neutral position upon touchdown which lowers muscle activity in the tibialis anterior, shown below.
The pulling-back of the forefoot upon touchdown or a dorsiflexed ankle, is responsible for increasing muscle activity in the tibialis anterior in heel strike running.
In forefoot running, the tibialis anterior is more ‘rested’ and involves less muscle metabolism. Heel strike running however, results in greater muscle activity in the tibialis anterior thereby increasing muscle metabolism which in turn, results in limitations in oxygen supply. And, is why anterior shin splints is more in runners who heel strike.
The net effect of high muscle activity in the tibialis anterior due to heel strike running is muscular fatigue in the shin musculature which hinders the muscles ability to lower bending stress on the shin bone and attenuate peak impacts. As a result, dynamic loading on the shin increases over long distances if heel strike is maintained during running.
However, Olin and Gutierrez (2003) found that heel strikers who switched to forefoot running without proper instruction had high muscle activity in the anterior tibialis.
The finding suggests that heel strikers who switch to forefoot running may carry-over heel strike-related mechanics, such as lifting the forefoot at touchdown. And, may also suggest why many inexperienced forefoot runners who were heel strikers, suffer bouts of anterior shin splints.
More on the Benefits of Forefoot Running:
- Forefoot Strike Running Preserves the Health of the Arch
- Forefoot Running Stops Patella Pain in Heel Strikers
- Say Goodbye to Leg Pain with Forefoot Running
- Important to Run Forefoot When Fatigued
References:
Olin, E.D and Gutierrez, G.M., 2013. EMG and tibial shock upon the first attempt at barefoot running. Hum Mov Sci, 32, 343–352.
Leave a Reply