Prospective Study and Results From the German Sports University of Cologne Biomechanics and Orthopedics Institute Professor Peter Brueggemann November 2003 to April 2004
1. To demonstrate possible benefits. 2. To quantify effects on Flexibility, Strength and Performance.
Rationale: Results in more intensive use of biological structures Use of biological systems: Makes them stronger Hypothesis: Barefoot / Nike FREE training: Does get the system
(Intervention Through Nike FREE Footwear) subgroup EG-A: master athletes subgroup EG-B: PE students (No Intervention, Conventional Footwear) subgroup CG-A: master athletes subgroup EG-B: PE students
30 males, 27 females (57) 22 males, 21 females (43) Total number of subjects under study: 100
Use of Nike FREE footwear for 30 minute warm-ups 3 – 4 times per week. Use of conventional training shoes Nov-03March-April-04
Flexor strength, left ExperimentalControl p: 0.001n.s. N PREPOSTPREPOST Statistically significant difference
Flexor strength right ExperimentalControl p: 0.01n.s. N PREPOSTPREPOST Statistically significant difference
Flexor strength left & right ExperimentalControl p: 0.01n.s. N PREPOSTPREPOST LRLRLRLR Statistically significant differences
10 50 Change of MPJ flexor strength through intervention ExperimentalControl p: N leftrightleftright Statistically significant differences
Plantar flexion strength, left ExperimentalControl p: 0.01 n.s. N PREPOSTPREPOST Statistically significant difference
Change of plantarflexor strength through intervention ExperimentalControl p: N left Statistically significant difference
Change of dorsiflexor strength through intervention ExperimentalControl N leftrightleftright Statistically significant differences
Minimum MPJ angle ExperimentalControl p: 0.01 deg PREPOSTPREPOST n.s. Statistically significant difference
Pressure Distribution Platform Marker Start / Finish Sidesteps as fast as possible 4 times back and forth (20m) Performance criterion: Total running time
Flexor strength, left ExperimentalControl p: 0.001n.s. N PREPOSTPREPOST Statistically significant difference
Shuttle run performance, time ExperimentalControl p: 0.01sec PREPOSTPREPOST Statistically significant difference
ExperimentalControl p: sec PRE Change of shuttle run performance time through intervention Statistically significant difference
ExperimentalControl p: 0.01sec PREPOSTPREPOST Statistically significant difference Shuttle run contact time
Shuttle run performance, time ExperimentalControl p: 0.01sec PREPOSTPREPOST Statistically significant difference
ExperimentalControl p: sec PRE Change of shuttle run performance time through intervention Statistically significant difference
ExperimentalControl p: 0.01sec PREPOSTPREPOST Statistically significant difference Shuttle run contact time