Good Vibrations: Walking, Running, Minimal Shoes & Vibration Plates

Biomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Dr Jeannette Loram explore the fascinating world of vibration: the benefits and costs of impact to the body and the importance of sensing vibration in humans and other animals.

Katy and Jeannette discuss how foot impacts during walking may actually form part of the brain’s circulatory system. They also unpack the science of vibration plates and whether they are useful for muscle strength, bone health, and balance. The conversation then turns to running, exploring how it generates vibrations through the body’s soft tissues, how these vibrations may affect performance, and what runners can do about it. Finally, they share some remarkable examples of vibration sensing in animals and consider how modern lifestyles may limit this sense in humans.

The discussion on impact and contact with the ground continues with Mike Dally of Earth Runners®, creators of minimalist earthing sandals. Katy and Mike talk about the aims of minimalist footwear in reducing interference between the foot and the ground, how to adapt to minimalist sandals, and new designs in development, including an easy-to-put-on children’s sandal.

Enhanced Show Notes and Full Transcript

0:00 The barefoot shoe expo debrief
3:40 The Dynamic Collective
6:40 Introduction to vibrations and waves
8:22 Walking vibrations and brain health
13:26 Vibrations and bone: building bone and fracture
16:04 Soft tissue vibration during running
17:45 Vibration plates: how do they work, and are they worth it?
25:25 Running revisited
33:44 Vibration sensing in animals
40:08 Mike Dally from Earth Runners®
52:25 Over-engineering health solutions rather than removing interference
56:00 Adapting to minimalist sandals
58:40 New products coming up: user-friendly children’s sandals
1:06:45 Listener question on foot pressure issues, sponsored by Movemate

Books, Links and Resources:

An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us by Ed Yong
Mary Roach books
Katy’s stylish strappy shoes
How Walking Benefits The Brain
Tacoma Narrows bridge collapse
The Ins, Outs, Ups and Downs of Breast Movement
Interview with Dr Libby Hinsley: Hypermobility, Proprioception & Building Up a Bendy Body - Podcast Ep #177
Earth Runners® Sandals 

Connect, Move & Learn:

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Made Possible By Our Wonderful Sponsors:

Movemate: Active standing boards with smoothly articulating wooden slats. Designed to keep you moving without interrupting your focus.
Venn Design: Beautifully upholstered ball-shaped Air Chairs and floor cushions that encourage dynamic sitting
Ikaria Design: The Soul Seat® offers height-adjustable, multi-position sitting—get 10% off new chairs and desks with code DNA10
Freet Barefoot: creators of comfortable barefoot shoes built for natural movement, flexibility, and durability— use code DNA10 for 10% off.
Earth Runners:  makers of minimalist earthing sandals designed for natural foot movement and connection to the ground— use code DNA10 for 10% off.
My Happy Feet: Toe-spacing socks that gently realign toes for comfortable shoe recovery—take 20% off with code MYDNA
ScreenFit™: a complete online vision training program —take $200 off with code NUTRITIOUSMOVEMENT

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