Submited on: 10 Mar 2013 03:01:58 AM GMT
Published on: 11 Mar 2013 01:10:57 PM GMT
Table 1. Author's reminder.
Posted by Dr. Bill Misner on 07 Apr 2013 04:33:29 PM GMT

Reviewers are invited by reminder to inspect the raw datain table 1. This data collected supports the statements made in regard to this SINGLE-SUBJECT case report. This data has not been confirmed in larger populations, other ages, genders, or subject-trend. This case report data is consistent with the findings reported with limitations also indicated.

 

Respectfully,

 

Bill Misner PhD {Emeritus}

As author and single-subject for this case report, I originally and continually declared this is a case report that data was collected alternating the order during 27 times running at 3-different speeds on a horizontal indoor treadmill. Even the type of sandals and shod[shoes] were alternated during these tests. That said, it was also highlighted in discussion and conclusion sentences that this data applied to one subject only, not necessarily to larger populations...indicating that more study with larger populations of runners all ages and gender is mandated.

 

The data collected on myself [the single subject] showed a consistent trend favoring shod[shoes] over barefoot sandals based on lower heart rates after both aerobic and anaerobic percents[%] max heart rate. The raw data published in this article must be studied before a review can be concluded either positive or negative. Two of the reviews were scored "8" and one of the reviews was scored "7"...each one of these and their comments were supported by the raw data posted in table format in this article. However, one of the reviews scored this article "2" did failed to consult the raw data to utilize raw data to support his comments. I emailed this reviewer these academic issues that equate both his review lacking merit or support based on raw data table in this article.

This reviewer {Dr. John Edwards PhD} has not replied to date.

 

Reviewers are required to defend their comments negative or positive with raw data tables published.

 

Any review comment that does not comply with raw data trend runs the risk of fraud.

 

Respectfully,

 

Bill Misner PhD {Emeritus}

The exchange between Dr. Bill Misner PhD [Author] and Steven Sashen [CEO, Xero Shoes] are posted to expand the data collected from this case report.

Dr. Bill Misner PhD: This single subject case report now presents a scholarly potential to call for a larger contingent to confirm or deny this finding. That one subject's maximum heart rate percent is lower shod than running barefoot is not a conclusion shown until a larger well-controlled study is undertaken.

Steven Sashen: "Agreed. Aside from the n=1, there are other confounds that would be interesting to try to control."

Dr. Bill Misner PhD: "Control quality presents confounds done right with increased numbers may validate findings, problem is when number of subjects increase, the risk  quality control compromise increases. Adaption, developing and perfecting form running barefoot is the single-most important factor that can be argued is needed to determine whether or not barefoot versus shod running is superior producing performance advantage."

Steven Sashen: "I agree here as well. As you know, I'd love to see video of your running form as well as seeing how your efficiency in Xeros changed over time as you became more familiar with them and if your gait changed as well."

Dr. Bill Misner PhD: As the subject, my form improved dramatically during this case report; however, from what I have read on your website and from others, it can take 1-3 years to perfect barefoot running form."

Steven Sashen: "We have hundreds of reports of new PRs set with Xeros, and we have what I think is more interesting: people who start out with slower times initially who then set PRs after an adjustment period. I can make a number of arguments for how and why this occurs."

Dr. Bill Misner PhD: "I agree that one of the weaknesses of my case report is time needed to perfect/adapt form running barefoot and shod was insufficient and may have been different otherwise. Until someone develops a transition model between shod and barefoot, i.e. a padded lightweight sandal, this question is an unanswered argument. A lightweight model that reduces some ground to foot impact and provides a modicum of support may be a revolutionary prospect for the running community...with additional possibilities for casual wear."

Steven Sashen: "Here's where things get interesting. [A] I'm iffy about the idea of "transition" shoes. While Rodger Cram's study suggests that about 10mm of EVA makes for more efficient running, that study, too, was full of confounds (not the least of which being a question about the "barefoot experience" of the subjects, and another being matching the thickness and density of foam to a particular runner based on their weight and speed). In my experience with thousands of runners transitioning to barefoot (or Xero Shoes), I've seen that ANY padding can interfere with the adoption of a modified gait due to decreased sensation and feedback. [B] I'm not sure that barefoot is more efficient, based on various measures, nor am I sure about the importance of those measures in various performance or non-performance conditions (e.g. while it seems obvious that "lower heartrate = better performance", I'm not aware that this has been reliablyy demonstrated). I'm sure we agree that testing can address all of those questions. [C] Support is a whole other issue and, overall, I currently believe that for forefoot or midfoot strike runners, support is unnecessary and, perhaps, counter-productive. [D] There's an idea that minimalism is most important, and best tested, in the performance running world. I'm not sure that's the case. Given the anecdotal reports I've received from thousands of customers, I could make a good argument that the real market lies elsewhere. While performance running often drives lifestyle purchases (most Nike Free are not worn by runners and the shoes made for and sold exclusively to competitive runners are rarely profit centers), there are other paths to the general consumer."

Dr. Bill Misner PhD: "Anecdotal reports lack control, as such it is individual-centered, not a relative common conclusion. My single subject Case Report is not grounds for a conclusion, but since it flies in the face opposite of cited research, it calls for more research. Heart rate reflects energy-oxygen-electrolyte-fluid-temperature exchanges and is elevated when deficits present. Both muscle strength and endurance torque levels over time and space are dependent upon heart efficacy. Two exact fit twin athletes running at the same rate of pace, the twin with the higher heart rate will reach fatigue to exhaustion state faster than the twin with the lower heart rate. Your experience with barefoot runner mechanics is remarkable and as such suggests calls for a Case Report conducted with experienced barefoot runners and shod runners [two different groups] running on a common treadmill at speeds compatible to 5-minutes fat burning, 2-minutes aerobic burning, and 1-minute anaerobic rates would determine the efficacy [or lack thereof ] running barefoot as compared to running shod. That type of Case Study would  determine the effect of running shod or running barefoot on maximum heart rate percent."

Reviewers request
Posted by Dr. Bill Misner on 19 Mar 2013 03:05:08 AM GMT

Eight Reviewers were invited to review this Case Report.

 

Bill Misner PhD {Emeritus}

Excellent review with precise comments
Posted by Dr. Bill Misner on 14 Mar 2013 09:29:33 PM GMT

Dear Scholarly Reviewers,
I completely agree with the Anonymous Reviewer's comments!

Enthusiastically agreed...well stated!
Bill Misner PhD {Emeritus}

Running Economy vs Running Efficiency

Posted by Anonymous Reviewer on 14 Mar 2013 11:54:01 AM GMT

Pictures of Shoes used in this Case report were not transferable due to the website's in capacity to accept more than 5mb size photo's. This is a criticism of WebMedCentral that inhibits explaining to reviewers what footwear was used to mimic barefoot running versus running Shod [shoes].

 

My apologies for this issue.

 

Bill Misner PhD {Emeritus}

 

Case Report is a Single Finding
Posted by Dr. Bill Misner on 12 Mar 2013 08:36:32 PM GMT

Declaration: As author and subject this single case report is opposite the findings in two citings this article lists. That heart rate is lower running barefoot or in barefoot-minimalist models such as sandals was not what this paper found. The author [me] age 73, is fit, [2012 USA National Trail Marathon Champion, age 70-up, November 2012], therefore whether it was age, adaptation training time, or another unknown factor, this Case Report does not project favorable findings for running in barefoot footwear especially as the speed of pace increases to aerobic and anaerobic levels.

 

Those who review or comment on this article are asked to expound precisely based on the data presented here and in the literature. We need to ask is this finding raising questions that need to be addressed?

 

Respctfully yours,

 

Bill Misner PhD {Emeritus}