Foot strike patterns and hind limb joint angles during running in Hadza hunter-gatherers
Background: Investigations of running gait among barefoot and populations have revealed a diversity of foot strike behaviors, with some preferentially employing a rearfoot strike (RFS) as the foot touches down while others employ a midfoot strike (MFS) or forefoot strike (FFS). Here, we report foot strike behavior and joint angles among traditional Hadza hunter-gatherers living in Northern Tanzania. Methods: Hadza adults ( n=26) and juveniles ( n=14) ran at a range of speeds (adults: mean 3.4±0.7m/s, juveniles: mean 3.2±0.5 m/s) over an outdoor trackway while being recorded via high-speed digital video. Foot strike type (RFS, MFS, or FFS) and hind limb segment angles at foot strike were recorded. Results: Hadza men preferentially employed MFS (86.7% of men), while Hadza women and juveniles preferentially employed RFS (90.9% and 85.7% of women and juveniles, respectively). No FFS was recorded. Speed, the presence of footwear (sandals vs. barefoot), and trial duration had no effect on foot strike type. Conclusion: Unlike other habitually barefoot populations which prefer FFS while running, Hadza men preferred MFS, and Hadza women and juveniles preferred RFS. Sex and age differences in foot strike behavior among Hadza adults may reflect differences in running experience, with men learning to prefer MFS as they accumulate more running experience. © 2014 Shanghai University of Sport.
Duke Scholars
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- 4207 Sports science and exercise
- 4206 Public health
- 4201 Allied health and rehabilitation science
- 1106 Human Movement and Sports Sciences
Citation
Published In
DOI
EISSN
ISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Related Subject Headings
- 4207 Sports science and exercise
- 4206 Public health
- 4201 Allied health and rehabilitation science
- 1106 Human Movement and Sports Sciences