The Effectiveness of The Strength Shoe in Enhancing Sport Specific Skills.



By Jim R Flarity, Ph.D., New Orleans, LA.
Director, Human Performance Laboratory
Tulane University Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences

This study analyzed the effectiveness of the Strength Shoe in improving sport specific variables.

Male athletes ages 18-22 yr of age (n=20) were studied to assess the effects of 9 weeks of training with the Strength Shoe. The manufacturer's training protocol emphasizing proper warm-up, cool-down and progression was followed. Subjects trained three days per week for approximately 45-60 minutes per session. The subjects were randomly divided into a control group (wearing the Strength Shoe). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine significant differences between the control and treatment group (p<.05).

Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant improvement in the following variables:

Relative anaerobic power (.19 W/kg-1 v. 1.22 W/kg-1)
Relative anaerobic capacity (.25 W/kg-1 v. .67 W/kg-1)
Vertical displacement (2.01 in v. 3.58 in)
40 yd. speed (-.06 v. 1.14)

No significant difference was found in upper and lower leg size, and lower back strength. In addition, this study found no significant difference in the report of injuries between the control and treatment groups. This study, which is experimental by nature is consistent with that of previously reported subjective data.

The results of this study strongly suggest that the use of the Strength Shoe is indeed and effective training tool in the development of anaerobic power.