1. Prospective Study and Results From the German Sports University of Cologne Biomechanics and Orthopedics Institute Professor Peter Brueggemann November 2003 to April 2004

2. 1. To demonstrate possible benefits. 2. To quantify effects on Flexibility, Strength and Performance.

3. 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

4. (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

5. 30 males, 27 females (57) 22 males, 21 females (43) Total number of subjects under study: 100

6. Use of Nike FREE footwear for 30 minute warm-ups 3 – 4 times per week. Use of conventional training shoes Nov-03March-April-04

7. 200 300 250 Flexor strength, left ExperimentalControl p: 0.001n.s. N PREPOSTPREPOST Statistically significant difference

8. 200 300 250 Flexor strength right ExperimentalControl p: 0.01n.s. N PREPOSTPREPOST Statistically significant difference

9. 200 300 250 Flexor strength left & right ExperimentalControl p: 0.01n.s. N PREPOSTPREPOST LRLRLRLR Statistically significant differences

10. 10 50 Change of MPJ flexor strength through intervention ExperimentalControl p: 0.01 30 70 90 N leftrightleftright Statistically significant differences

11. 1100 1300 1200 Plantar flexion strength, left ExperimentalControl p: 0.01 n.s. N PREPOSTPREPOST Statistically significant difference

12. - 50 50 Change of plantarflexor strength through intervention ExperimentalControl p: 0.01 0 100 200 N left Statistically significant difference

13. - 10 10 Change of dorsiflexor strength through intervention ExperimentalControl 0 20 30 N leftrightleftright Statistically significant differences

14. Minimum MPJ angle ExperimentalControl p: 0.01 deg PREPOSTPREPOST 50 45 40 35 n.s. Statistically significant difference

16. Pressure Distribution Platform Marker Start / Finish Sidesteps as fast as possible 4 times back and forth (20m) Performance criterion: Total running time

17. 200 300 250 Flexor strength, left ExperimentalControl p: 0.001n.s. N PREPOSTPREPOST Statistically significant difference

18. Shuttle run performance, time ExperimentalControl p: 0.01sec PREPOSTPREPOST - 8 - 7 - 6 - 5 Statistically significant difference

19. ExperimentalControl p: 0.001 sec PRE - 0.5 - 1.0 Change of shuttle run performance time through intervention Statistically significant difference

20. ExperimentalControl p: 0.01sec PREPOSTPREPOST 1.5 1 0.5 Statistically significant difference Shuttle run contact time

21. Shuttle run performance, time ExperimentalControl p: 0.01sec PREPOSTPREPOST - 8 - 7 - 6 - 5 Statistically significant difference

22. ExperimentalControl p: 0.001 sec PRE - 0.5 - 1.0 Change of shuttle run performance time through intervention Statistically significant difference

23. ExperimentalControl p: 0.01sec PREPOSTPREPOST 1.5 1 0.5 Statistically significant difference Shuttle run contact time