The Effect of Minimalist Versus Motion Control Shoes on Patellofemoral Joint Forces in Adolescents With Patellofemoral Pain During Running: A Randomized Crossover Study

Abstract

Background: High joint forces can contribute to the pathogenesis of patellofemoral pain in adolescents. Minimalist shoes may reduce patellofemoral joint forces during running compared with commonly worn motion-control shoes. Hypothesis: Patellofemoral joint, lateral patella, and quadriceps forces will be lower, while gastrocnemius forces will be higher when adolescents run in minimalist shoes compared with motion control shoes. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: This within-session 2-period randomized crossover study was conducted from March 2023 to September 2024. A total of 51 physically active adolescents aged between 12 and 19 years (mean age, 16.9 ± 2 ye..