Boston Sports Medicine and Performance Group, LLC Blog

Are Your Feet Ready? The Boston Marathon Is Back

Posted by Boston Sports Medicine and Performance Group on Fri, Apr 12, 2013 @ 08:04 AM

Are your feet ready for running this summer?

You might want to think twice before strapping on those traditional clunky sneakers and running around your neighborhood.  Every year millions of Americans take up running as a way of getting off the couch and trim the mid-section only to find themselves right back where they started - but this time with back, knee and foot pain! 

Learn how incorporating barefoot training prior to your next fitness adventure will have your feet singing a much happier tune.

 

Barefoot in Boston Barefoot in Boston

 

Passage taken from Barefoot in Boston, by Art Horne

"Looks like mom was right – the cheaper shoes do work just as well, and in fact, might just be safer for you too.

If you are starting to feel like I am picking on traditional shoes and their parent companies well, that is because I am and it is about to get a whole lot worse.
In a study conducted by Marti (1989) in which he provided a questionnaire to over 5000 runners of a popular 16-km race, he discovered that expensive shoes accounted for 123% greater injury frequency than the lowest cost models. In fact, the incidence of injury while the subjects were wearing shoes over $95 were twice as high as for those subjects wearing shoes costing less than $40. There may be a number of other factors associated with injury other than just shoe cost but these results included correction for these other influencing factors such as training mileage and history of previous injury! Marti also notes that injuries were not significantly related to race running, speed, training surface, characteristics of running shoes or relative weight. In other words, the fancier the shoe, the more injuries you can expect from them!


So what do “fancy” shoes have that ordinary shoes do not?

The answer may be found in a 2001 study by McKay. Although McKay’s group did not set out to determine the manufacturing differences between lower end and high end shoes, their findings did point to one feature within many athletic shoes that may very well be to blame. In this study researchers sat courtside and watched over 10,000 recreational basketball participants as they played to determine the rate of ankle injury and examine risk factors of ankle injuries in recreational basketball players. Each participant completed a questionnaire which included questions related to: age, sex, height, weight, protective equipment (ankle brace, mouth guard, etc), shoe type (cut low, med, high), age of shoes, whether the participant performed a warm-up prior to playing, and of course questions identifying their injury history.


After analyzing the data, three risk factors emerged:
1. Previous ankle sprain – those athletes with a previous sprain were almost 5 times more likely to sprain again.
2. Players who did not stretch prior to games were 2.6 times more likely to injure their ankles then those that did.
3. Players wearing air cells in the heels were 4.3 times more likely to injure an ankle compared to those with no air cells in their heels."

 

 

BSMPG wishes the over 20,000 runners participating in the 2013 Boston Marathon the very best of luck!!

 

athletic training

 

Register for the 2013 BSMPG Summer Seminar - May 17 & 18th

Early Bird Prices end April 15th so run to a computer after finishing the marathon and sign up to enjoy the discounted prices!

 

Register for the 2013 BSMPG  Summer Seminar Today

Topics: acute pain, boston marathon, Christopher McDougall, Marathon Monday, BSMPG Summer Seminar, Chris Powers, achilles pain, barefoot training

Heel Strikes, Sudden Impacts and Running Injuries

Posted by Boston Sports Medicine and Performance Group on Tue, Apr 17, 2012 @ 06:04 AM

 

If you haven't been living under a rock you know that the annual Boston Marathon took place this past Monday, April 16th.  With it came over 25 000 registered runners and thousands more non-registered runners tackling heartbreak hill and the 26.2 mile Boston course.  Although many of the leaders looked strong heading into the final mile, thousands more never experienced the thrill of victory but instead suffered the agony that so many runners face on a daily basis - a running injury that either limits or completely stops their running.

So what caused this running injury?  The answer might surprise you - it's the way you hit the ground!

Learn more about why you continue to ice your knees and shins and how you may be able to avoid these pains in the future with only a simple change in your stride.

 

Below is a summary of Professor Davis' article:

 

Do Impacts Cause Running Injuries? A Prospective Investigation

By Irene Davis, Bradley Bowser and David Mullineaux

 

“Up to 79% of runners sustain an injury in a given year. Approximately 80% of shod runners are rearfoot strikers. It is plausible that rearfoot strikers with increased impact loads, may be at greater risk for the development of an injury that those with lower loads. In summary, previous studies have documented higher impact loading in runner with a history of injury. However, these studies were retrospective in nature and cannot establish causative relationships. Therefore, the purpose of this prospective study was to compare the impact loads of rearfoot strike runners who go on to develop a running injury to those who have never been injured. It was hypothesized that runner who went on to develop a running- related injury would have higher vertical impact peaks, vertical average loadrates, vertical instantaneous loadrates and peak tibial shock.”

Davis and her group went on to recruit 240 female rearfoot strike runners aged 18-40 who ran a minimum of 20 miles per week.  Data was collected including ground reaction forces, vertical average loadrate, peak vertical force, etc.  Running mileage and injuries were reported monthly for 2 years.

 

“Our injury findings were consistent with previous literature. It has been reported that between 20-80% of runners get injured in a given year, and 57% of our runners sustained a prospective injury. In terms of injury distribution, iliotibial band syndrome, anterior knee pain, tibial stress syndrome, and plantar fasciitis were also among the top five injuries in much larger study of 2002 runners.

As hypothesized, all impact loading was greater in the injured runners compared with the never- injured group. All impact variables were significantly higher, except for VILR. Interestingly, FZ, the peak value of the vertical force, was identical between groups. This further underscores the importance of impact loads in the development of these injuries."

 

Barefoot in Boston

Sudden impacts are BAD! Notice the sudden spike with the RFS?

(RFS=Rearfoot Strike, FFS = Forefoot Strike, MFS = Midfoot Strike)

 

"The fact that all running injuries were included increases the significance of these results. While it is recognized that the etiology of running injuries is multi-factorial, this suggests that impact loading may be global indicator for the development of an injury. Based upon the odds ratio for VALR, reducing impacts is likely to result in an overall reduction of injury risk. Based on previous sports, adopting a midfoot or forefoot strike pattern will reduce these impacts. However future studies of injury patterns in midfoot and forefoot strike runners are needed.”

 

Want to avoid these sudden impacts associated with injury? Better think about adopting not only a different gait, but also a different pair of shoes.  Many modern running shoes have heels that are simply so thick that they prevent you from making contact with the ground in any other way than with the heel - and thus the dreaded impact forces!

Learn more about transitioning back to mother earth by reading BAREFOOT IN BOSTON: A Practical Guide to Achieving Injury Resolution and Enhancing Performance

 

Topics: barefoot strength training, Barefoot in Boston, barefoot running, barefoot training

Good Luck Runners! - 2012 Boston Marathon

Posted by Boston Sports Medicine and Performance Group on Mon, Apr 16, 2012 @ 07:04 AM

 

BSMPG wishes the over 30,000 runners in the 2012 Boston Marathon the best of luck!

 

Run Strong!

 

Boston Marathon

 

 

Topics: BSMPG, barefoot strength training, Barefoot in Boston, barefoot running, barefoot training

Christopher McDougall talks Running Barefoot and if we were BORN TO RUN

Posted by Boston Sports Medicine and Performance Group on Sun, Apr 15, 2012 @ 07:04 AM

Christopher McDougall Talks Barefoot and Why Humans Were Born to Run

 
 
Are you wondering why your running shoes resemble high heels? Ever think about why your big toe overlaps your second and why your arch really isn’t an arch anymore and resembles more of a pancake? Thinking about baring your sole? Barefoot training has recently become popularized as a potential benefit in injury prevention and rehabilitation programs. It is also purported to serve as an additional means to enhance athletic performance and running economy. However, limited clinical research is currently available to justify this practice and even less information is available describing how one may go about safely implementing a barefoot training program. This book explores the scientific and theoretical benefits concerning the merits of forgoing the modern running shoe for a simpler approach and offers real life solutions to all the obstacles standing between your feet and mother earth. Although it’s true that Americans love their shoes, what you learn about the merits of stuffing your feet and toes into these modern day casts might just have you singing a different tune – a tune your feet will certainly be much happier moving to. Welcome to Barefoot in Boston!
 
 
Enjoy Born to Run author, Christopher McDougall's TED presentation below!
 
 

 

Learn how you too can enjoy the benefits of being barefoot by reading BAREFOOT IN BOSTON, available now in both paperwork and kindle.

barefoot in boston

Topics: athletic training conference, athletic training, Irene Davis, Christopher McDougall, athletic training books, barefoot strength training, achilles pain, barefoot running, barefoot training

Barefoot Invades Boston!

Posted by Boston Sports Medicine and Performance Group on Fri, Apr 13, 2012 @ 19:04 PM

Boston Marathon meet Barefoot in Boston

 

The Barefoot Running Symposium is presented by the New England Barefoot Runners. This symposium is available to the general public at no charge on a first come, first serve basis.

This FREE event occurs during (and is part of) the 1st Annual Boston Barefoot Running Festival. This event showcases well known international speakers who have been studying running biomechanics for years. It includes pioneers of the barefoot running movement who have written books, who have previously shared their experiences through speaking engagements and barefoot running workshops.

Additional speakers are well established barefoot runners with stories of how this change in running has taken them to higher levels.

Boston Public Library
Rabb Lecture Hall
700 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02216

Saturday, April 14, 2012
1PM – 4PM

 

Click HERE to read more about this exciting event and the speakers that will be there including the leader in Barefoot research - Irene Davis!

Watch Irene Davis lecture in the video below as she describes the challenges with the traditional heel strike during running and how going with less on your feet might just be the answer to your injury woes.

 

 

Not sure if baring your sole is a good idea?  Read BAREFOOT IN BOSTON, and learn how the shoes on your feet are doing more harm than good.

barefoot in boston

 

Topics: Art Horne, boston marathon, Irene Davis, barefoot strength training, Barefoot in Boston, achilles pain, ankle problems, barefoot training

Jeff Cubos Talks Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization : Filling the Gaps

Posted by Boston Sports Medicine and Performance Group on Mon, Apr 9, 2012 @ 07:04 AM

by Jeff Cubos

 

It’s been over a year since I first began the Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization program. Since that initial “A” course, my clinical thought process has expanded exponentially through following up with the “B” and “C” courses, my privileged opportunity to visit Motol in Prague, and the day to day reflections of my current practice.

Well recently, I had the privilege of taking part in another DNS A course that was put forth by Michael Maxwell of Somatic Senses and taught by Alena Kobesova and Brett Winchester. This particular experience was quite special for me because not only was it local (hence no flight costs), but it provided me with the opportunity to share my experiences to date with many of my friends and colleagues who attended the course…including my wife.

I would say however, that the most beneficial aspect of being present was that it afforded me the opportunity to “fill in the gaps”.

 

 

Continue to read this article by Jeff Cubos by clicking HERE

Meet Jeff Cubos and other top therapists and strength coaches as attendees at the 2012 BSMPG Summer Seminar.

Register today before seats are filled!!

 

Click me

Topics: BSMPG, athletic training conference, Craig Liebenson, Charlie Weingroff, boston hockey conference, Cal Dietz, Jeff Cubos, Barefoot in Boston, Dan Boothby, Clare Frank, DNS course, barefoot training

Obesity on the Rise in America by Daniel Lieberman

Posted by Boston Sports Medicine and Performance Group on Fri, Mar 2, 2012 @ 07:03 AM

 

Barefoot expert and Harvard Professor Daniel Lieberman talks about the obesity problem in America.  This 13 minute presentation examines our evolutionary path to obesity and concludes with a radical idea to fight this growing problem.

Enjoy!

 

Topics: BSMPG, athletic training conference, Daniel Lieberman, barefoot strength training, barefoot running, barefoot training

The Wait is Over - Triphasic Training is HERE!

Posted by Boston Sports Medicine and Performance Group on Thu, Feb 23, 2012 @ 07:02 AM

The wait is finally over - Triphasic Training by Cal Dietz and Ben Peterson is finally here. 

Click HERE to order Cal's Book.

Read a portion of Cal's Book by viewing a previous post HERE.

 

CAL DIETZ

 

 

 

What the book is about:
The eBook contains over 350 pages, divided clearly into 2 parts: the why and the what.  The first section goes through the physiological basis for the Triphasic method, undulated block periodization, and general biological applications of stress. The authors will explain how to incorporate the Triphasic methods into existing programs, with complete descriptions on adapting it to virtually any scenario. Section 2 is devoted entirely to programming, with over 3,000 exercises hyperlinked to show you specifically how to perform every exercise. Included in this section are 5 separate 24-week training programs built for either 6 day, 5 day, 4 day, 3 day, or 2 day models. Also included is a complete 52 week training program for football. Cal and Ben show you why and how to peak football lineman or skill players, baseball, swimming, volleyball, and hockey players (among others). By reading this book, you will learn how to take the principles of Triphasic Training and apply it in the correct context for YOUR needs and YOUR athletes! 
What is Triphasic Training?
It is the pinnacle of sports performance training. By breaking down dynamic, athletic movements into their three components (eccentric, isometric, and concentric), the Triphasic system maximizes performance gains by applying stress to the athlete in a way that allows for the continuous development of strength, speed, and power.
Who uses Triphasic Training:
Everyone! From elite level athletes to absolute beginners, the triphasic method of training allows for maximal performance gains in minimal time. For that reason professional athletes from all backgrounds seek out Coach Dietz each off-season to train with his triphasic system. Coach Dietz has worked with hundreds of athletes from the NFL, NHL, and MLB, as well as several dozen Olympic athletes in track and field, swimming, and hockey. 

Table of Contents


Foreword
Authors's Note
Preface
Section 1
1.1 Basic Principles and Their Application to Training
1.2 Stress, Stress, Stress!
1.3 Five Factors for Success
1.4 Results Speak Louder than Words
1.5 Variation is Key
1.6 Summary and Review
SECTION 2 
Periodization And The Implementation of Stress
2.1 Microcyle: Undulating Model
2.2 Mesocycle: Block System
2.3 Comparison to Linear Periodization
2.4 Summary and Review
SECTION 3 
The Triphasic Nature Of Athletic Movement
3.1. The Importance of Triphasic Training
3.2. Eccentric Phase
3.3. Isometric Phase
3.4 Concentric Phase
3.5 Summary and Review
Section 4
High Force at Low Velocity(Above 80%)
4.1: Training Above 80 Percent
4.2: Loading Parameters
4.3: Above 80 Training Blocks
4.4: How to Read the Workout Sheet
4.5: Specialized Methods of Applying Training Means
4.6: Monday, Medium Intensity (Submaximal Effort)
4.7: Wednesday, High Intensity (Maximal Effort)
4.8: Friday, Low Intensity (High Volume)
4.9: Above 80 Percent Three-Day Program Overview
4.10: Triphasic Q & A
4.11: Above 80 Percent Four-Day Program
4.12: Above 80 Percent Five-Day Program
4.13: Above 80 Percent Six-Day Program
4.14: Above 80 Percent Two-Day In-Season Program
Section 5
High Force at High Velocity(55-80%)
5.1: Training Between 55 and 80 Percent
5.2: Loading Parameters
5.3: 55 To 80 Training Block
5.4: Specialized Methods of Applying Training Means
5.5: Monday, Medium Intensity (Submaximal Effort)
5.6: Wednesday, High Intensity (Maximal Effort)
5.7: Friday, Low Intensity (High Volume)
5.8: 55-80 Percent Three-Day Program Overview
5.9: 55-80 Percent Four-Day Program
5.10: 55-80 Percent Five-Day Program
5.11: 55-80 Percent Six-Day Program
5.12: 55-80 Percent Two-Day In-Season Program
Section 6
High Velocity Peaking(Below 55%)
6.1: Transfer of Training and Dynamic Correspondence
6.2: AFSM
6.3: Loading Parameters
6.4: Below 55 Percent Training Block
6.5: Specialized Methods of Applying Training means
6.6: How to Read The Workout Sheet: Part II
6.7: Monday, Medium Intensity (Sport-Specific Time: Ideal)
6.8: Wednesday, High Intensity (Sport-Specific Time: Below Ideal)
6.9: Friday, Low Intensity (Sport-Specific Time: Above Ideal)
6.10: Three-Day High Velocity Peaking Program Overview
6.11: Sport Specific Peaking Programs
6.12: Below 55 Percent Two-Day In-Season Program
SECTION 7
Putting It All Together
7.1: The Big Picture
7.2: Wrap-Up
Acknowledgments

Topics: Basketball Related, athletic training conference, boston hockey conference, Cal Dietz, barefoot training

Barefoot in Boston reviews - What the Pro's are saying

Posted by Boston Sports Medicine and Performance Group on Thu, Dec 29, 2011 @ 07:12 AM

See what professional strength coaches are saying about Barefoot in Boston.

 

"When the foot hits the ground everything changes!  Training your feet without the use of shoes and preparing them, and your entire lower extremity for the rigors demanded in elite sporting events not only makes sense, but is a must for decreasing injury rates while enhancing foot function and performance."

 

Keke Lyles, Strength & Conditioning Coach

Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA

 

"Arthur Horne writes a wonderful book to enlighten and enhance athletes & non athletes on the intrinsic nature of how we are and can be through barefoot training. In a short time I was on the last page with more clarity on this subject than before. A quick read that focuses on "what's the next step" to help the reader learn and apply the lessons of this author and researchers that have studied this training method before. Great book to learn and train more toward barefoot in whatever way may be suitable."

 

Joe Hogarty, Strength & Conditioning Coach

Baltimore Orioles, MLB 

 

Purchase Barefoot in Boston on Amazon Today. Available in book and kindle editions!

 

 

 

Topics: Art Horne, Barefoot in Boston, barefoot running, barefoot training

Essential Reading Spotlight - Greenman's Principles of Manual Medicine

Posted by Boston Sports Medicine and Performance Group on Wed, Oct 12, 2011 @ 06:10 AM

I have to admit I missed the boat on the importance of manual medicine for a long time.  After speaking to the best clinicians and therapists in the area there was one book that each and everyone of them, regardless of their current treatment approach, recommended I read - Greenman's Principles of Manual Medicine (Point (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins))   

After recently completing this book I now know why.  This book is a must for anyone treating musculoskeletal dysfunction on a daily basis.  Below is a short excerpt from this book.

 

 

The Manipulable Lesion

"The acceptable term for this entity is somatic dysfunction. It is defined as impaired or altered function or related components of the somatic (body framework) system; skeletal, arthrodial, and myofascial structures; and related vascular, lymphatic, and neutral elements. Notice that the emphasis is on altered function of the musculoskeletal system and not on a disease state or pain syndrome." pg 11


DIAGNOSTIC TRIAD FOR SOMATIC DYSFUNCTION 


"The mnemonic ART can express the diagnostic criteria for identification for somatic dysfunction.

“A” stands for asymmetry of related of the musculoskeletal system, either structural or functional.
“R” stands for range of motion of a joint, several joints, or region of the musculoskeletal system. The range of motion could be abnormal by being either increased (hypermobility) or restricted (hypomobility). The usual finding in somatic dysfunction is restricted mobility, identified by observation and palpation using both active and passive patient cooperation.
“T” stands for tissue texture abnormality of the soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system (skin, fascia, muscle, ligament, etc.). Tissue texture abnormalities are identified by observation and a number of different palpatory tests.

Some authors add one of two other letters to this mnemonic. “P” or a second “T”. “P” stands for pain associated with other findings, and “T” stands for tenderness on palpation of the area. Tenderness is particularly diagnostic if localized to a ligament. A normal ligament is not tender. A tender ligament is always abnormal. However, both pain and tenderness are subjective findings instead of the objective findings of symmetry, altered range of motion, and tissue texture abnormality. By the use of these criteria, one attempts to identify the presence of somatic dysfunctions, their location, whether they are acute or chronic, and particularly whether they are significant for the state of the patients wellness of illness at that moment in time. In addition to the diagnostic value, changes in these criteria can be of prognostic value in monitoring the response of the patient, not only to manipulative treatment directed toward the somatic dysfunction, but also to other therapeutic interventions."  Pg 11-12

 

 

Topics: Art Horne, basketball performance, basketball resources, BSMPG, athletic training conference, boston hockey summit, boston hockey conference, barefoot strength training, barefoot training