Conclusions Comparison
As objects for comparison, three articles will be considered with the purpose of analysing the authors’ conclusions and their reasoning on the problem of barefoot running as a modern trend in sports. The work by Chang (2012) presents this topic as an acute challenge since the author argues that the interest in rejecting special shoes is fraught with significant health problems. According to Chang (2012), those athletes who prefer to run long distances without trainers have a greater likelihood of injury to the lower limbs, which is caused by excessive stress on bones and tendons. However, this article is published on an online platform and does not have proven and documented statistical studies besides mentioning several interviews. Consequently, despite the author’s beliefs in the assumptions provided, the accuracy of the work may be questioned (Chang, 2012). The lack of academic material in support of the presented hypotheses is the reason to doubt the persuasiveness of the arguments.
Unlike Chang (2012), two other works are published in scholarly journals and are peer-reviewed. Moreover, the studies by both Hryvniak, Dicharry and Wilder (2014) and Jungers (2010) have similar conclusions. Hryvniak et al. (2014) claim that barefoot running does not pose a significant threat to the safety of athletes and their health and stimulates the strengthening of the lower limbs. Statistical research data provided by the authors indicate work with the target group and lead to a conclusion about the credibility of the arguments (Hryvniak et al., 2014). Jungers (2010) also insists that there are no significant restrictions that could prevent athletes from refusing special training shoes and run barefoot. However, the conclusions of Jungers (2010) cannot be considered totally reliable since superficial research is cited, and the statements are not well supported by facts. Accordingly, based on the assessment of the three sources, it can be noted that the most reliable one is the article by Hryvniak et al. (2014). It is printed in a peer-reviewed journal and provides enough substantiation to prove the hypothesis about the harmlessness of barefoot running.
Personal Conclusion on the Topic
When evaluating the findings and conclusions of the analysed sources, it can be assumed that barefoot running is controversial in a modern sports environment and requires additional studying. Since researchers do not agree on the harm of rejecting trainers, larger tests are needed to identify a threat or its absence. While taking into account the reviewed articles, it can be noted that the only work where there is data confirmed by statistical results is the study by Hryvniak et al. (2014). Accordingly, to eliminate bias on barefoot running, it is essential to involve a larger number of participants. A research sample may be expanded, and testing the results of studies may be more deeply to evaluate both athletes’ personal opinions and the outcomes of physiological tests. In general, preferences regarding the style of running are individual, and any prohibitions can be made if the official confirmation is presented by responsible boards or healthcare agencies.
References
Chang, A. (2012). Born to run barefoot? Some end up getting injured. NBC News. Web.
Hryvniak, D., Dicharry, J., & Wilder, R. (2014). Barefoot running survey: Evidence from the field. Journal of Sport and Health Science, 3(2), 131-136. Web.
Jungers, W. L. (2010). Biomechanics: Barefoot running strikes back. Nature, 463(7280), 433-434. Web.