Infographic. Running myth: switching to a non-rearfoot strike reduces injury risk and improves running economy

Endurance running is associated with high rates of injury,1 with injury causation often complex and multifactorial.2 Running biomechanics are thought to play a role in the aetiology of running-related injury.3 Therefore interventions to change running technique may assist in the prevention and management of injuries.4 The overwhelming majority of recreational shod distance runners run with a rearfoot strike pattern.5 Running with a rearfoot strike has been retrospectively associated with greater risk of running-related injury,6 and switching to a non-rearfoot strike pattern has been reported to improve symptoms in runners with anterior lower leg pain and patellofemoral pain.7 8 As such, changing strike pattern has become a commonly considered and promoted strategy when attempting to prevent and manage injury in endurance runners9 (see figure 1). Many elite …