Allied Health Resources-From Orthotics to Minimal Footwear: An Evolution of Thought Irene Davis, PhD, PT, FAPTA, FACSM, FASB

From Orthotics to Minimal Footwear: An Evolution of Thought Irene Davis, PhD, PT, FAPTA, FACSM, FASB

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Irene Davis, a professor of physical medicine and rehab at Harvard Medical School and the director of the Spaulding National Running Center, discusses the evolution of thought in shoewear. She begins by sharing her background as a biomechanist and her research on lower extremity structure, mechanics, and injury. Dr. Davis then explains how her early studies focused on the effects of foot orthotics on patellofemoral motion and pronation. She conducted studies on the relationship between pronation and knee mechanics, and the importance of impact forces on injury development. She also discusses the effects of footwear on running mechanics, particularly the differences between rearfoot striking and forefoot striking, and how shoe cushioning and support can impact forces and injury risk. Dr. Davis then explores the concept of minimal footwear and its benefits, including reduced impact forces and improved foot and calf strength. She examines the history of footwear and how different types of shoes can affect running mechanics and injury risk. She emphasizes the importance of a gradual transition to minimal footwear and the potential risks of highly cushioned motion control shoes. Dr. Davis concludes by advocating for a return to more natural, minimal footwear that allows for proper foot mechanics and strengthening.

Asset Caption

Dr. Irene Davis is a professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School, and director of the Spauling National Running Center. Her research focuses on the relationship between lower extremity structure, mechanics, and injury, and extends to the lower development of interventions to alter faulty mechanics through gait retraining. Her interests also include the effect of minimal footwear on mechanics and injury.

Keywords

shoewear evolution

foot orthotics

running mechanics

impact forces

minimal footwear

injury risk

natural footwear