Gender responses to minimal running: preliminary results about interest, participation and training effects

Biomechanical changes as a result of minimal running have been studied in different aspects but not gender. Thus, the objective of this pilot study was to examine: a) gender interest and participation in this training approach; b) gender responses to a 12-week barefoot running training. Female runners seem to have less participation, but similar interest in minimal running as male runners. After a 12-week barefoot training, both female and male runners changed parameters related to impact control and performance.