- In a study conducted by the University of Virginia Speed Clinic in 2017, OOfoam, OOFOS's proprietary foam technology, showed a reduction in load rate of 88% when compared to the conventional EVA performance foams found in most footwear, including athletic shoes. Athletic Trainer, David Strickland, relates to this notion of de-loading when he states, "it seems as though this product [OOFOS] makes it easier for the athlete to interact with gravity" in the pro talk section of this newsletter."
- In the same UVA speed clinic study (and complimented by a study at the UMass biomechanics lab), it was also found that walking in OOFOS reduced energy stored and released in the ankle by up to 47% when compared to neutral-cushion performance footwear typically worn for training and athleisure purposes. With the ankle being our primary joint used in human propulsion, this has direct implications on load management for anyone who trains by running, jumping, or pivoting. The key here is that significant increases in energy storage/release were not seen in other secondary joints of the lower extremities.
- Lastly, in a study conducted by Katherine Boyer of the UMass Biomechanics Lab, OOFOS were shown to help enable/support natural motion & mobility of the foot and ankle, as well as providing an increase in the plantar contact area. So, while energy and load may be transferred to secondary muscle groups and joints, it is not coming at the sacrifice of altered biomechanics.
The key takeaway here is that OOFOS can be an essential tool in the load management practices of on-the-go athletes by changing loading patterns on primary muscle and joint tissues without significant increases elsewhere in the lower extremities or major changes to biomechanics. In addition, OOFOS supported a continued range of motion and mobility, while also supporting the plantar with more contact area, decreasing points of heightened pressure where discomfort can generally appear.
So get your athletes out of their athletic shoes and flat, EVA-based slides and into OOFOS' OOfoam technology before, after, or between workouts to help them recover in motion and bring their hard-working bodies closer to a state of rest without slowing down their everyday lives.
