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Dear All,
Here is a sidelight on Michael Orendurff's interesting comments on the
disadvantages of wearing shoes. In his recent book ("The Brain That
Changes Itself", 2007) Norman Doidge provided a relevant insight. He
mentioned that according to Merzenich if shoes are worn for many years
this limit the sensory feedback from the feet to the brain and this
reduces the brain's ability to process sensations from the soles of the
feet unless one gets used to barefoot walking.
Merzenich also mentioned that wearing shoes leads to a loss of "gross
motor control" as we age, hence barefoot walking in childhood and
adolescence (on beaches for instance) might be crucial to the success of
particular athletes in barefoot running programs. He noted that this
deficit can lead to loss of mobility and confidence in older walkers.
Perhaps this factor also de-motivates young athletes. See page 20 of
this excerpt from Doidge's book:
http://www.positscience.com/sites/default/files/pdfs/doidge-TBTCI.pdf
Foot arch muscles might not be crucial after all. Maybe it's all in the
mind.
Regards,
David McFarlane MAppSc (Ergonomics)
Ergonomist, WorkCover NSW
Reference
Norman Doidge, (2007), "The Brain That Changes Itself", [Scribe
Publications, Melbourne]. See:
http://bfc.positscience.com/resources/reading/the-brain-that-changes-its
elf-norman-doidge-15.php
Disclaimer
The views expressed above are those of the author and they do not
necessarily reflect the views or policies of WorkCover NSW. Any
recommendation concerning the use or representation of a particular
brand of product in this document or any mention of them whatsoever
(whether this appears in the text, illustrations, photographs or in any
other form) is not to be taken to imply that WorkCover NSW approves or
endorses the product or the brand.
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This message, including any attached files, is intended solely for the addressee named and may contain confidential
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************************************************** ************************************************** ************************************
Here is a sidelight on Michael Orendurff's interesting comments on the
disadvantages of wearing shoes. In his recent book ("The Brain That
Changes Itself", 2007) Norman Doidge provided a relevant insight. He
mentioned that according to Merzenich if shoes are worn for many years
this limit the sensory feedback from the feet to the brain and this
reduces the brain's ability to process sensations from the soles of the
feet unless one gets used to barefoot walking.
Merzenich also mentioned that wearing shoes leads to a loss of "gross
motor control" as we age, hence barefoot walking in childhood and
adolescence (on beaches for instance) might be crucial to the success of
particular athletes in barefoot running programs. He noted that this
deficit can lead to loss of mobility and confidence in older walkers.
Perhaps this factor also de-motivates young athletes. See page 20 of
this excerpt from Doidge's book:
http://www.positscience.com/sites/default/files/pdfs/doidge-TBTCI.pdf
Foot arch muscles might not be crucial after all. Maybe it's all in the
mind.
Regards,
David McFarlane MAppSc (Ergonomics)
Ergonomist, WorkCover NSW
Reference
Norman Doidge, (2007), "The Brain That Changes Itself", [Scribe
Publications, Melbourne]. See:
http://bfc.positscience.com/resources/reading/the-brain-that-changes-its
elf-norman-doidge-15.php
Disclaimer
The views expressed above are those of the author and they do not
necessarily reflect the views or policies of WorkCover NSW. Any
recommendation concerning the use or representation of a particular
brand of product in this document or any mention of them whatsoever
(whether this appears in the text, illustrations, photographs or in any
other form) is not to be taken to imply that WorkCover NSW approves or
endorses the product or the brand.
************************************************** ************************************************** ************************************
This message, including any attached files, is intended solely for the addressee named and may contain confidential
information. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete it and notify the sender. Any views expressed in this
message are those of the individual sender and are not necessarily the views of WorkCover NSW. Please consider the environment
before printing this E-mail.
************************************************** ************************************************** ************************************