Interest in investigating minimalist footwear (MF) has grown exponentially in recent years. This article systematically reviews the benefits of MF for physical fitness, biomechanical factors, and injury incidence in middle and long distance runners. A systematic review of PubMed and FECYT (Web of Sciences, CCC, DIIDW, KJD, MEDLINE, RSCI, and SCIELO) was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines before 26 April of 2022. From the 583 studies initially found, 23 were included in the qualitative synthesis. The use of MF induces improvements in running economy and stride frequency in middle and long distance races and reduces the oscillations of a runner’s center of gravity and support time. From a biomechanical viewpoint, MF enhances forefoot support and increases knee stability, leading to greater foot and ankle mobility. In addition, MF reduces impact load at the knee joint.

Our governing body, the CASCE Board of Directors, guides our efforts and accreditation practices. The Board is comprised of nine members: three Educators in Strength and Conditioning Programs, two Practitioners, one Public member, one Administrator, one NSCA Affiliate Representative, and one NSCA Board-Appointed Representative. Additionally, the Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary/Treasurer serve as Officers. Directors serve a term of three years and may serve no more than two full consecutive terms.

The purpose of the NSCA L.I.F.T. Mentorship Program is to prepare and position students and professional members from underrepresented groups for participation in NSCA volunteer activities that will lead to increased retention, service and leadership opportunities.

To be eligible to take the CSCS® examination, candidates must fulfill certain criteria. Candidates must hold at least a bachelor's degree or currently be enrolled as a college senior at an accredited institution. Learn more about the prerequisites to sit for the CSCS® exam.

Colorado Springs, CO – The National Strength and Conditioning Association is proud to announce that Jay Dawes, PhD, CSCS,*D, NSCA-CPT,*D, TSAC-F,*D, FNSCA, has been selected as the NSCA’s Tactical Strength and Conditioning Professional of the Year for 2021. Award winners are selected by a volunteer committee, the NSCA’s Awards Taskforce, who determine the winner based on their contributions to the NSCA and their community, and whose influential contributions to the field result in its advancement in a measurable way that exceeds the outcomes achieved by others.

Join the 2026 NSCA Training Prescriptions for Overhead Athletes Summit in San Diego on March 28. Learn advanced biomechanics, train hands-on, and earn 0.8 CEUs.

Thank you for your willingness to evaluate and make a recommendation for the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s (NSCA’s) L.I.F.T. Mentorship Program. The purpose of this program is to prepare and position students and professional members from underrepresented groups for participation in NSCA activities that will lead to stronger leadership opportunities and outcomes. This program includes both online leadership mentoring with an NSCA professional as well as covered expenses for the applicant to attend NSCA’s National Conference.