Irene Davis is the founding Director of the Spaulding National Running Center at the Harvard Medical School. In this episode, Irene describes how her research of biomechanics and clinical work with running injuries, as well as research by others, has shaped her views on maintaining body alignment and foot health. Irene discusses her argument for the role of modern footwear in running-related injuries and how minimalist footwear helps resolve the subsequent biomechanical issues.
We discuss:
Irene’s path to her Ph.D., her entry into physical therapy, and her interest in biomechanics [3:20]; How Irene’s thinking about the use of orthotics has changed [7:15]; The evolution of the human foot and the transition from walking to running [10:30]; The evolution of shoes and its impact on running injuries [17:30]; An overview of running injuries [26:00]; Cushioned running shoes, heel striking and impact forces [29:30]; Shin splints [33:45]; How heel strike patterns promotes knee stress through rate of loading [35:30]; The critical importance of exercise [42:15]; Impact forces and injury potential [45:45]; How shoe cushioning alters impact forces despite forefoot striking [49:00]; An overview of minimalist shoes [52:30]; Irene’s protocol for transitioning people out of orthotics [58:45]; Transitioning to minimalist shoes and a forefoot strike [1:05:30]; Foot muscle volume, minimalist shoes, and orthotics [1:07:00]; The recognition of the importance of foot strength in podiatry [1:09:45]; Minimalist shoes across the lifespan—from children to adults [1:12:30]; Why learning to forefoot strike on soft surfaces is not the best approach [1:20:00]; Knee valgus and factors related to knee injury [1:21:45]; IT band syndrome [1:28:30]; Physics and ground reaction forces [1:33:15]; Irene’s approach to retraining a runner’s gait [1:36:00]; Case study—How the transition to minimalist shoes decreased injury and improved performance [1:42:15]; Importance of proper movement patterns and the negative influence of our modern environment [1:45:30]; and More.Learn more: https://peterattiamd.com/
Show notes page for this episode: https://peterattiamd.com/irenedavis
Subscribe to receive exclusive subscriber-only content: https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/
Sign up to receive Peter's email newsletter: https://peterattiamd.com/newsletter/
Connect with Peter on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.
#249 ‒ How the brain works, Andrew’s fascinating backstory, improving scientific literacy, and more | Andrew Huberman, Ph.D.
#248 ‒ OUTLIVE book: A behind-the-scenes look into the writing of this book, motivation, main themes, and more
#247 ‒ Preventing cardiovascular disease: the latest in diagnostic imaging, blood pressure, metabolic health, and more | Ethan Weiss, M.D.
#246 - AMA #45: Pros and cons of GLP-1 weight loss drugs and metformin as a geroprotective agent
#245 ‒ Overcoming trauma, finding inner peace, and living a meaningful and fulfilling life | Lewis Howes
#244 ‒ The history of the cell, cell therapy, gene therapy, and more | Siddhartha Mukherjee
#243 ‒ The fentanyl crisis and why everyone should be paying attention | Anthony Hipolito
#242 - AMA #44: Peter’s historical changes in body composition with his evolving dietary, fasting, and training protocols
#241 ‒ Living intentionally, valuing time, prioritizing relationships, and more keys to a rich life | Ric Elias (Part 2)
#240 ‒ The confusion around HDL and its link to cardiovascular disease | Dan Rader, M.D.
#239 ‒ The science of strength, muscle, and training for longevity | Andy Galpin, Ph.D. (PART I)
#238 – AMA #43: Understanding apoB, LDL-C, Lp(a), and insulin as risk factors for cardiovascular disease
#237 ‒ Optimizing life for maximum fulfillment | Bill Perkins
#236 ‒ Neurodegenerative disease: pathology, screening, and prevention | Kellyann Niotis, M.D.
James Clear: Building & Changing Habits (#183 rebroadcast)
#235 ‒ Training principles for mass and strength, changing views on nutrition, creatine supplementation, and more | Layne Norton, Ph.D.
#234 ‒ Chris Hemsworth on Limitless, longevity, and happiness
#233 - AMA #42: Optimizing sleep - bedtime routine, molecule regimen, sleep trackers, sauna, & more
#232 ‒ Shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand: diagnosis, treatment, and surgery of the upper extremities | Alton Barron, M.D.
A masterclass on insulin resistance—mechanisms and implications | Gerald Shulman, M.D., Ph.D. (#140 rebroadcast)
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Good Mood Revolution
Huberman Lab
Good Nurse Bad Nurse
The Relaxback UK Show
On Call With Dr. Anselm Anyoha
The Doctor’s Farmacy with Mark Hyman, M.D.