Effect of barefoot exercises on dynamic balance in sub-elite marathon runners

Abstract

Abstract Background: Runners who demonstrate poor balance performance are at a higher risk of lower extremity musculoskeletal injury. Barefoot running is hypothesized to improve joint proprioception and thereby enhance balance performance. However, the influence of barefoot weight-bearing exercise training on dynamic stability remains unexplored. Objectives: The current study explored the effect of barefoot exercise intervention on dynamic balance performance in sub-elite marathon runners. Settings and Design: The current experimental study was undertaken in the recreation parks of Navi Mumbai. Materials and Methods: Thirty runners (mean age = 40 years, BMI = 25.5 kg/m2) were randomly allocated to two groups. Dynamic balance was evaluated using the star excursion balance test, and agility was assessed using the agility t test at baseline and post 12 weeks of intervention. Runners in the experimental group performed balance exercises without shoes, whereas runners in the control group performed the same set of exercises with shoes on. Between-group comparison was performed using an independent t test and within-group comparison using a paired t test using SPSS Software version 23. The effect size was calculated using Cohen’s d statistic. Results: Both groups demonstrated improved dynamic balance in the posteromedial direction. The barefoot group demonstrated improved dynamic balance in the anterior and posterolateral directions as well, with a large effect size (P = 0.001, P = 0.001, and P = 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Barefoot exercise training improved balance performance in sub-elite marathon runners. These exercises can be incorporated into conditioning programs to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries in runners.