Running Foot Strike, Cadence, and Shoes: What Does
the Research Actually Say?
Presented by Phil Plisky and COL (Ret) Don Goss
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Audio Runtime: 46 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 21 Minutes
COL (Ret) Don Goss, DPT, PhD, OCS, ATC, a biomechanics researcher and former U.S. Army physical therapist, joins host Phil Plisky to bring clarity to some of the most debated topics in running rehab. Together, they unpack what the research actually says about cadence, foot strike, and footwear, and how that translates to what you should be doing in the clinic. From military data to practical gait retraining tools, this episode gives you a reality check on what matters most for helping runners recover and perform. Whether you're skeptical about minimalist shoes or unsure when to tweak cadence, you’ll walk away with insights you can put to use immediately.
Learning Objectives
- Analyze the evidence around gait retraining strategies for managing running-related injuries
- Determine the clinical situations in which cadence modification and footwear adjustment provide the greatest benefit for runners with pain or previous injury
- Solve patient case scenarios involving injured runners using video-based gait analysis and biomechanical retraining principles
This is an audio-only course. Additional materials are available for download within the course. To receive continuing education credit, complete the course and the accompanying quiz.
Meet your instructors
Phil Plisky
Dr. Phil Plisky is a professor in the University of Evansville’s Doctor of Physical Therapy and PhD in Health Professions Education programs. He is the host of the Medbridge Rehab and Performance Lab podcast and founder of the Coaches Club at
COL (Ret) Don Goss
COL (Ret) Don Goss, DPT, PhD, OCS, ATC, is a Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at High Point University in High Point, NC. Don served as a physical therapist in the United States Army for 25 years in a variety of assignments. He earned his PhD in Biomechanics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel…
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