Biomechanical implications of walking with indigenous footwear (original) (raw)
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Despite substantial recent interest in walking barefoot and in minimal footwear, little is known about potential differences in walking biomechanics when unshod versus minimally shod. To test the hypothesis that heel impact forces are similar during barefoot and minimally shod walking, we analysed ground reaction forces recorded in both conditions with a pedography platform among indigenous subsistence farmers, the Tarahumara of Mexico, who habitually wear minimal sandals, as well as among urban Americans wearing commercially available minimal sandals. Among both the Tarahumara (n = 35) and Americans (n = 30), impact peaks generated in sandals had significantly (p < 0.05) higher force magnitudes, slower loading rates and larger vertical impulses than during barefoot walking. These kinetic differences were partly due to individuals' significantly greater effective mass when walking in sandals. Our results indicate that, in general, people tread more lightly when walking barefoot than in minimal footwear. Further research is needed to test if the variations in impact peaks generated by walking barefoot or in minimal shoes have consequences for musculoskeletal health.
Footwear Science, 2012
Background: Barefoot running has been the subject of much attention in footwear biomechanics literature, based on the supposition that it serves to reduce the occurrence of overuse injuries in comparison to conventional shoe models. This consensus has led footwear manufacturers to develop shoes that aim to mimic the mechanics of barefoot locomotion. Objectives: This study compared the impact kinetics and three-dimensional (3-D) joint angular kinematics observed while running barefoot, in conventional cushioned running shoes and in shoes designed to integrate the perceived benefits of barefoot locomotion. The aim of the current investigation was therefore to determine whether differences in impact kinetics exist between the footwear conditions and whether shoes that aim to simulate barefoot movement patterns can closely mimic the 3-D kinematics of barefoot running. Method: Twelve participants ran at 4.0 m s−1 (±5%) in each footwear condition. Angular joint kinematics from the hip, knee and ankle in the sagittal, coronal and transverse planes were measured using an eight-camera motion analysis system. In addition, simultaneous tibial acceleration and ground reaction forces were obtained. Impact parameters and joint kinematics were subsequently compared using repeated-measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs). Results: The kinematic analysis indicated that, in comparison to the conventional and barefoot-inspired shoes, running barefoot was associated with significantly greater plantar–flexion at footstrike and range of motion to peak dorsiflexion. Furthermore, the kinetic analysis revealed that, compared to the conventional footwear, impact parameters were significantly greater in the barefoot condition. Conclusions: This study suggests that barefoot running is associated with impact kinetics linked to an increased risk of overuse injury when compared to conventional shod running. Furthermore, the mechanics of the shoes that aim to simulate barefoot movement patterns do not seem to closely mimic the kinematics of barefoot locomotion.
A comparison of gait biomechanics of flip-flops, sandals, barefoot and shoes
Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 2013
Background: Flip-flops and sandals are popular choices of footwear due to their convenience. However, the effects of these types of footwear on lower extremity biomechanics are still poorly understood. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate differences in ground reaction force (GRF), center of pressure (COP) and lower extremity joint kinematic and kinetic variables during level-walking in flip-flops, sandals and barefoot compared to running shoes. Methods: Ten healthy males performed five walking trials in the four footwear conditions at 1.3 m/s. Three-dimensional GRF and kinematic data were simultaneously collected. Results: A smaller loading rate of the 1st peak vertical GRF and peak propulsive GRF and greater peak dorsiflexion moment in early stance were found in shoes compared to barefoot, flip-flops and sandals. Barefoot walking yielded greater mediolateral COP displacement, flatter foot contact angle, increased ankle plantarflexion contact angle, and smaller knee flexion contact angle and range of motion compared to all other footwear. Conclusions: The results from this study indicate that barefoot, flip-flops and sandals produced different peak GRF variables and ankle moment compared to shoes while all footwear yield different COP and ankle and knee kinematics compared to barefoot. The findings may be helpful to researchers and clinicians in understanding lower extremity mechanics of open-toe footwear.
The effects of various types of shoe on lower extremity during walking
The Japanese journal of ergonomics, 2008
The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effects of various types of shoe on lower extremities during walking. In this experiment, normal walking shoe, unstable shoe (Masai Barefoot Technology, MBT), newly developed shoe of heel for cushion (BOSS Corps., Korea) were compared. Three-dimensional motion analysis techniques were used to acquire kinematic and kinetic data. Six Falcon high speed digital motion capture cameras (Motion Analysis Corp. Santa Rosa, CA USA) and two force plates (AMTI, Inc., MA, USA) were used. Variables for analysis were joint angles (range of motion, angle trajectory), joint moments for each gait event and ground reaction force (loading rate/decay rate, max vertical ground reaction force). The results showed that there were different effects of types of shoe on lower extremity. Joint angle trajectory of ankle, joint range of motion (ROM) of hip, peak force, and ankle joint moment were significantly different among shoe types. MBT provided deceased joint loading. Newly developed shoe of heel for cushion provided deceased impelling force and loading rate. To clarify this result, further study is necessary to add several variables: EMG, long-term effects and upper body motion.
The influence of footwear on foot motion during walking and running
Journal of Biomechanics, 2009
There are evidences to suggest that wearing footwear constrains the natural barefoot motion during locomotion. Unlike prior studies that deduced foot motions from shoe sole displacement parameters, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of footwear motion on forefoot to rearfoot relative motion during walking and running. The use of a multi-segment foot model allowed accurate both shoe sole and foot motions (barefoot and shod) to be quantified. Two pairs of identical sandals with different midsole hardness were used. Ten healthy male subjects walked and ran in each of the shod condition. The results showed that for barefoot locomotion there was more eversion of the forefoot and it occurred faster than for shod locomotion. In this later condition, the range of eversion was reduced by 20% and the rate of eversion in late stance by 60% in comparison to the barefoot condition. The sole constrained both the torsional (eversion/inversion) and adduction range of motion of the foot. Interestingly, during the push-off phase of barefoot locomotion the rate and direction of forefoot torsion varied between individuals. However, most subjects displayed a forefoot inversion direction of motion while shod. Therefore, this experiment showed that the shoes not only restricted the natural motion of the barefoot but also appeared to impose a specific foot motion pattern on individuals during the pushoff phase. These findings have implications for the matching of footwear design characteristics to individual natural foot function.
Cushioning properties of footwear during walking: accelerometer and force platform measurements
Clinical Biomechanics, 1992
Institut, Repetitive impact loadings of the musculoskeletal system have been linked to the development of osteoarthritis and low back pain. An important function of footwear is to attenuate foot-ground impacts. The purpose of this study was to measure the effects of footwear types upon the impact ground reaction forces and the transient stress waves transmitted up the lower limb. The results have shown that both transient stress waves and ground reaction forces are affected by footwear during walking. Furthermore, with harder midsoles footwear, higher shock was transmitted to the lower extremities. Relevante This paper confirms the importante of using footwear to cushion the impact generated at heelstrike during walking. It also reveals that both shock and force measurements are required to evaluate and prescribe footwear to patients suffering from impact-related chronic diseases.
Biomechanic Analysis of Barefoot vs. Shod Running
Aquila: The FGCU Student Research Journal, 2019
Each year thousands of runners are injured, many incidents being caused by improper form or attire. Prior studies have shown barefoot running to reduce impact loading, contact time, and stride length by encouraging a forefoot striking (FFS) pattern. The aim of this study is to further analyze and compare mechanical characteristics and effects between barefoot and shod running. Data collected from N=11 participants with Qualisys 3D motion tracking system was used to assess applied foot force, inversion and eversion angles, foot plantarflexion, location of the center of pressure of the foot, ankle moment, in addition to moments, forces, and flexion angles of the knee. When barefoot, statistically significant reductions in several parameters, including impact force and peak knee moment were observed which may reduce the overall risk of injury. No significant increase in eversion was observed. By performing this biomechanical analysis on barefoot running, researchers conclude that barefoot style running results in a safe gait pattern. Future impacts of this research may directly affect current training regimens. Increasing awareness of barefoot running may inspire others to verify this study and determine to what degree running related injuries are preventable.