Already interested in participating? Fill out the screening form HERE. Username: barefoot, Password: barefoot. After completeing this survey, you will be contacted about your eligibility and further participation in the study. Thank you for your interest! (Note: Only IE browsers can access this survey)

Welcome to the homepage for barefoot running research at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. This site serves to both inform the public about ongoing research and function as a portal for participants interested in volunteering for research studies. The Departments of Family Medicine and Orthopedics have combined to help sponsor the research presented and conducted here.  

The barefoot or “minimalist” running movement has grown in popularity in recent years despite a lack of quality research advocating for or against running without standard, modern-day running shoes. Does running in minimalist footwear decrease or increase injury rates? What types of injures are seen more or less often in barefoot runners? What is the best way to “transition” to barefoot-style running? These are a few of the many questions we hope to investigate.

We are currently recruiting participants for a research study involving a web-based barefoot running intervention. In order to see if you are eligible for the study please register and complete the screening questions available HERE. For a detailed description of what will be required from you if you decide to participate in this study, please refer to the Consent Form. For answers to questions concerning barefoot running and/or this particular study, please take a look at our FAQ Page.