Does changing to minimalist running footwear minimize wear and tear on a runner's body? Only, according to a recent study, if a runner also changes his or her running style.

 As explained in this New York Times article, the nonprofit American Council on Exercise recently sponsored a small study that asked female recreational runners to switch to either barefoot running or the use of minimalist footwear.

The outcome? Participants who changed to barefoot running or minimalist shoes but failed to make a recommended change in their foot strikes after each stride—going from a heel-striking pattern to a forefoot-strike—experienced impact forces on their bodies that were almost double to those encountered when wearing conventional running shoes.

Meanwhile, those who did alter their stride were expected to attain the benefits ascribed to forefoot striking as advocated by proponents of the barefoot/minimalist running style such as Harvard professor Dan Lieberman, who has written at length about the biomechanics of foot strikes.

The article quotes Cedric Bryant, the council's chief science officer: "The key thing our study seems to suggest is that it's really important you take some time to really adjust your running form or running style."

Have you had this experience after making the switch in footwear? As explained in the article, ACE researchers recommend that runners make a "slow and steady" transition when adapting to minimalist footwear. Start with brisk walking, for example, before attempting a run.

All you minimalist converts out there (and that group includes people like actor Jake Gyllenhaal): What additional advice would you offer to runners who are making the switch from conventional running shows to minimalist footwear? What has worked for you?