FOOT LOADING PATTERNS WITH DIFFERENT UNSTABLE SOLES STRUCTURE

Abstract

Foot loading patterns can be changed by using different unstable sole structures, detailed quantification of which is of great significance for research and technological development in falling prevention and lower limb disorders rehabilitation. In this study, unstable soles constructions are adjusted through unstable elements in heel and medial, neutral and lateral forefoot and the foot loading patterns are comparatively studied. A total of 22 healthy male subjects participated in this test. Subjects are asked to walk over a 12 m walkway with control shoes and experimental shoes in self-adapted speed. Significant peak pressure, contact area and pressure-time integral differences in middle foot are found between control shoes and experimental shoes. In addition, peak pressure and pressure-time integral are found to increase significantly with unstable elements adding to center forefoot. The results showed that adjusting the unstable elements in coronal plane of forefoot could effectively alter the distribution of plantar pressure, this could potentially offer a mechanism for preventing falling of elderly and rehabilitation of lower extremity malfunctions. This study also demonstrates a novel concept that unstable element could be effectively adjusted in terms of position to meet different functional requirement.