THE EXAMINATION OF THE EFFECTS OF BAREFOOT TRAINING ON RUNNING BIOMECHANICS, SPRINT PERFORMANCE, AND AGILITY DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN AGED 8 TO 11
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24193/subbeag.70.sp.iss.1.12Keywords:
Barefoot training, running biomechanics, agility, sprint performance, childrenAbstract
Introduction: the human foot has been described as a masterpiece of engineering and art, yet modern footwear has often limited its natural function and reduced sensory feedback. this has led to inefficient movement patterns in children and adults. Objective: the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a ten-week barefoot training program on agility, sprint performance, and running biomechanics in children aged eight to eleven years. Material and methods: the program included three weekly sessions lasting seventy minutes each. sixteen children began the program, and nine completed it. assessments before and after the intervention included a change-of-direction speed test, a twenty-meter sprint, and biomechanical measurements of stance phase and ground reaction force using a motion analysis device. Results: the barefoot training program improved agility and sprint performance in the participants. significant reductions in stance phase duration were observed in the right leg, indicating shorter ground contact time and improved running efficiency. no meaningful changes were observed in the left leg or in the average ground reaction force for either leg. Discussion: the improvements in performance may be linked to enhanced foot strength and neuromuscular coordination. however, the small sample size and short intervention period limited the generalization of the findings. Conclusions: barefoot training appeared to improve agility, sprint speed, and running mechanics in children. it may strengthen the foot and support the inclusion of barefoot exercises in youth physical development programs.
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