An exploratory study investigating the effects of barefoot running on working memory
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-1-2016
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to compare the potential cognitive benefits of running barefoot compared to shod. Young adults (N=72, M age=24.4 years, SD=5.5) ran both barefoot and shod on a running track while stepping on targets (poker chips) and when not stepping on targets. The main finding was that participants performed better on a working memory test when running barefoot compared to shod, but only when they had to step on targets. These results supported the idea that additional attention is needed when running barefoot to avoid stepping on objects that could potentially injure the foot. Significant increases in participant’s heart rate were also found in the barefoot condition. No significant differences were found in participants’ speed across conditions. These findings suggested that working memory may be enhanced after at least 16 minutes of barefoot running if the individual has to focus attention on the ground.
Publication Title
Perceptual and Motor Skills
Volume
122
Issue
2
First Page
432
Last Page
443
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.1177/0031512516640391
PubMed ID
27166325
ISSN
00315125
E-ISSN
1558688X
Citation Information
Alloway, Alloway, T. P., Magyari, P. M., & Floyd, S. (2016). An Exploratory Study Investigating the Effects of Barefoot Running on Working Memory. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 122(2), 432–443. https://doi.org/10.1177/0031512516640391